SafeYouth_PolicyPaper_V1(NA)_31_8_FV_FINAL

www.safeyouth.eu The current situation: Sex Health Education in Cyprus Introducing the Health Education Curriculum in public schools in 2012 has been an important step in ensuring the right to sexuality education. The content of the Curriculum is scientifically documented, theoretically grounded and includes all dimensions of health. In elementary school, topics related to sex education are covered in the Health Education/Life Education course, mainly in the thematic sub- section of Family Planning, Sexuality and Reproductive Health, offered in the 2nd, 3rd, and 6th grades. In secondary education/high school, sex education is approached in Home Economics and Biology courses. Relevant modules are covered only in the biology course (compulsory in the 1st grade and optional in the 2nd and 3rd grade) and in the optional Family Education course. Secondary Technical Education does not cover sexuality education. It is important to note that since children with special educational needs do not follow an Analytical Program but an individual personalized program, many of them do not have access to sexuality education. According to the publication “Analysis of the Current Situation: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Adolescents in Cyprus”¹ published by the Cyprus Family Planning Association in 2015, sex education is not effectively implemented. Adolescents lack knowledge and skills in conception, contraception, sexual health, sexual violence, sexual rights, and gender.