Even before being presented, it is already controversial. The new sexuality education program on which the Ministry of National Education has been working for more than a year and a half is the subject of a smear campaign from conservative associations, very active on Facebook and x.
The Family Union, formerly known as “La Manif pour tous”, launched a petition against this project. Its president, Ludovine de La Rochère, denounced, Sunday November 24, on CNews a “ideological brainwashing from the age of 3”. “That adults come and talk to children about sex without their consent. That poses a problem.”
Franceinfo was able to consult this draft program, which the ministry specifies must still be revised, and it is very far, in its philosophy as in its practical implementation, from the accusations made by Ludovine de La Rochère.
In nursery and primary school, it is a question of education in emotional and relational life. The term sexuality is only added for middle and high school. Strictly speaking, sexual relations are only mentioned from 4th grade onwards. At this level, the students are adolescents.
The Ministry of National Education insists: this learning will be very progressive.
Visibly aware of the potential outcry, the document lists principles that teaching staff must have in mind: neutrality, prudence, refusal of all dogmatism. The sessions must be thought of in connection with the other disciplines.as well as with moral and civic education (EMC) and with media and information education (EMI)”, details the project. And he adds: “Parents of students will be informed.”
Initially, between three and six years old, children will, for example, learn to name the different parts of their body, to identify their emotions and those of others, to express their tastes by deconstructing gender stereotypes.
From CP and until entry into 6th grade, the emphasis is placed on building human relationships, different family models, respect and self-esteem. How to say no? What is a situation of violence or harassment? The program suggests introducing the notion of consent from the CM2 class.
Finally, in middle and high school, the objective is to help adolescents take care of their bodies, accept themselves, define their preferences, but also respect their rights and those of others. Without forgetting the ambition to make them aware of intimacy in the age of social networks.
In its project, the ministry suggests setting up games and discussions, based on literary works, films or even testimonies. The only framework imposed on establishments is the volume of these sessions: three hours per year minimum, as provided for by the law of July 4, 2001.
This program project, initiated by Anne Genetet's predecessor, Pap Ndiaye, was born from the observation that this obligation to provide sexual education “in schools, colleges and high schools” is not assured.
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