Order of Psychologists submits report to the government on sexual education in schools

The Portuguese Order of Psychologists ( OPP ) today submitted an opinion to the government as part of the public consultation on the National Strategy for Citizenship Education (ENEC), recommending the explicit integration of sexual education and mental health into the school curriculum, with progressive learning from the 1st cycle onwards, and with content and strategic actions adapted to different ages.

In its opinion, the OPP argues that it is "essential to ensure that sexual education is accessible to all children and young people (without asymmetries in access to content and inequalities between schools and students), from the earliest years of schooling."

The document explains that scientific evidence is clear in demonstrating that effective sexuality education programs require explicit, structured, ongoing, and evidence-based approaches that address not only relational aspects but also scientific information on anatomy, physiology, sexual and gender diversity, contraceptive methods, prevention of sexually transmitted infections, consent, sexual violence, among others.

The Order of Psychologists explains that, in the government's proposal for public consultation, "the reference to sexuality in curricula is restricted, limited and technically imprecise."

Terms such as "intimacy and privacy" and "consent" are briefly mentioned in the 2nd and 3rd cycles of basic education, but in a generic and decontextualized manner, without direct reference to sex education as a structuring component of health and citizenship. The very absence of the term "sexuality" itself detracts from the visibility and pedagogical purpose of sex education.

The OPP therefore presents concrete proposals for action:

– Integrate explicit sexual education content into all levels of education, with progressive learning from the 1st cycle onwards, with objectives (as recommended in current law) and strategic actions adapted to different age groups;

– Integrate, at all levels of education, content promoting Mental Health Literacy and the structured and progressive development of socio-emotional skills, with strategic actions adapted to different ages;

– Ensure, in the dimension of Pluralism and Cultural Diversity and at all levels of education, that sexual and gender diversity is treated as a legitimate expression of human experience, contributing to inclusive educational contexts that respect Human Rights;

– Integrate, in the Pluralism and Cultural Diversity dimension and at all levels of education, approaches, adapted to different ages, to issues of equality and non-discrimination;

– Explicitly recognize the role of Psychologists as strategic partners in the discipline of Citizenship and Development, namely in the integration of Sexual Education into school curricula and in the promotion of Health Literacy actions, consultancy or coordination with other services or professionals;

The Portuguese Order of Psychologists believes that the National Strategy for Citizenship Education "should be a tool for promoting equality, health and human rights – and not a missed opportunity to respond to the challenges that children and young people face as they grow up."

The full opinion is available for consultation here .

Illustration: Marcella Tamayo / New School.