Sex+Education+in+The+Netherlands

=Sex Ed in The Netherlands= Sex education in the Netherlands is quite different than anywhere else. In the Netherlands, there is no mandated national curriculum. However, schools are obligated to teach Sex Ed. Almost all schools (97%) teach sex ed. Teachers receive pre-service teacher training where they learn how to teach sex ed. This pre-service training is provided by the Netherlands Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.

Each school is free to determine the methods in which teachers teach sex ed. They are also free to select materials, approach, and amount of time spend on each topic. Sex education is typically taught within related subjects such as Biology.

Nearly 50% of elementary and middle schools teach sex ed. In some schools sex ed starts in kindergarten. media type="youtube" key="il8HIi7wqQE" width="560" height="315"

Almost all schools (97%) teach sex ed.

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Sex Ed Topics Covered in Schools
There are many different topics that are covered in the Netherland's sex ed.

There are many physical changes that is going on in an adolescent's body during puberty. Some of the physical changes that are taught is body growth, pimples, hair growth, first menstruation, and first ejaculation. In addition to the different physical changes that occur during puberty, there are also emotional changes. Emotional changes that are taught include feeling insecure, thinking more about sex, and questioning their sexual identity.
 * Puberty**



After learning about puberty, teachers then move on to reproduction. Topics that are included in this section are sperm, ejaculation, orgasm, and the menstrual cycle.
 * Reproduction**

The Netherlands also teach weerbaarhid topics. Another word for weerbaarhid is interaction competence. Teachers teach students about assertiveness, communication, personal norms, values, decision making, and how to ask for help.
 * Weerbaarhid (Interaction Competence)**



There are also topics that cover sexual identity, sexual orientation, gender, and relationships.
 * Relationships**



The Netherlands' sex ed also include masturbation and sexual pleasure.
 * Pleasure**



Lastly, topics such as contraceptives, prevention of STIs and pregnancy, and responsibility is stressed.
 * Safe Sex**



The Netherlands' Sex Ed is comprehensive and medically accurate. According to Ferguson et al. (2008), when compared to the United States the Netherlands have a higher rate of using condoms, pills, and dual methods. Dual methods is using both condoms and the pill together. The Netherlands use of condoms, pills, and dual methods result in lower pregnancies, live births, and abortions.

References Ferguson, R. M., Vanwesenbeeck, I., & Knijn, T. (2008). A matter of facts... and more: an exploratory analysis of the content of sexuality education in The Netherlands. Sex Education, 8(1), 93-106. doi:10.1080/14681810701811878