Sex education guidelines reflect changing norms

WELLINGTON: An emphasis on informed, enthusiastic and ongoing consent, inclusion and shifting social norms in relation to gender will be some of the things teachers share with pupils when teaching sexuality and relationships in schools.

Possibly the biggest change in the Ministry of Education’s updated guidelines is that they have been split into separate sets for primary and secondary school pupils.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Associate Education Minister Tracey Martin, who said relationships and sexuality education would ‘‘no longer be left to chance’’.

‘‘For the last decade, Education Review Office [ERO] reports on this area have shown that some schools teach this subject very well, but that the majority struggle,’’ she said.

The guidelines state that schools must ‘‘ensure inclusive environments for all young people’’, including content on the diversity of sex characteristics, sexuality and gender identities in their curriculum programmes.

Pupils must also be allowed ‘‘their Akonga freedom of expression in relation to their gender identities and sexual orientation, including the right to determine their own identity and name’’.

The guidelines also take into account the impact of social media and online pornography.

Lead author Dr Katie Fitzpatrick said research from the chief censor showed that one in four children had used pornography by the age of 12.

‘‘We know that kids are accessing all kinds of things online and there’s a role for schools in terms of helping them understand that, in terms of creating safety,’’ she said.

The Ministry of Education planned to send copies of the new resource to schools in term 4 this year. Online modules for teachers would be provided. — RNZ