Nude photo? Should be possible
Driven by #metoo, the Ministry of Education had a brochure drawn up by the School & Safety Foundation last autumn. In it, teachers are increasingly urged to talk about sex with students.
Initially, School & Safety calls it a 'golden opportunity' for education to educate students in sexual rights, respectful intercourse, equal relationships and so on. Further in the text the word 'duty' is mentioned and then it seems natural that teachers strive to 'deliver sexually honest young people'. Esther van der Steeg wrote the document for the foundation.
Is #metoo creating yet another hype that education needs to deal with?
Van der Steeg: “I can certainly imagine that some teachers feel that way, but your subject is simply more than the cognitive side. You also have an educational role. Changes, such as the advent of the smartphone, are forcing us to rethink what space sex gets in school. And where the boundaries are. ”
For example with sexting?
“I recently heard a teacher say well-meaning: I regularly tell them not to do that. A logical statement, from an adult's concern. But the point is, they do. And that's okay. For young people, exchanging sexy selfies is a form of flirting, of showing that you like someone else. As a teacher, it is important that you keep your judgment to yourself and have an open conversation about the pros and cons of sexting. Because if things go wrong - if someone distributes the photos, for example - and you just said: You should definitely not do that, then there is little chance that a student will ask you for help.”
The term 'sexual integrity' appears eighty times in the publication. The new buzzword?
“If it were up to me, yes. We deliberately searched for a positive word. Previously, sex at school was mainly about preventing undesirable behavior. What is not allowed and what you do not want in the school. Now it is time for a different tone. Sexuality is part of how people relate to each other. What do we want to teach children and young people in this? Sexual integrity means: being aware, acting respectfully and taking responsibility for yourself, but also for someone else. In the example of sexting: if you get a nude photo of someone, it gives you a certain responsibility. Namely not to forward it. ”
When it comes to sexuality, many adults think of their own experiences. That hinders you, because that is private. Try to think from the perspective of the students.
In the cover article the latest Education magazine contains many tips on how to talk about sex with students of all ages. Feeling some embarrassment is normal, says health scientist and director of the Care for Sexuality Foundation Arjet Borger. “When it comes to sexuality, many adults think of their own experiences. That hinders you, because that is private. Try to think from the students' point of view. For them, sexuality is much more about who you are as a boy or girl, about feelings and relationships. How do you relate to the other person, do you find the contact pleasant or unpleasant? Which friendships do you make and which not? If you make it such a broad subject, it becomes much easier to talk about.”
Read the complete article in the Education Magazine here.
