Sex education in schools and the contributions of the new circular of 2025

Rev Prat. 2026 Jan;76(1):12-23.

ABSTRACT

The increase in complaints of sexual violence is slowing down and mainly concerns young women outside their family environment. The increase in complaints of physical violence is stabilizing and, for minors, mainly concerns intra-family violence. These figures, although dramatic, are a sign that victims are speaking out more freely and that the population is becoming more aware of this issue. This is achieved through education on emotional and relational life in schools (EVARS), as well as sexual health education starting in middle school. The need for this education which has been recognized for nearly a century and was shaped by the Neuwirth Law of 1967 and the Fontanet Circular of 1973, the AIDS epidemic and the circulars of 1996-1998, and then the circular of 2001 requiring ongoing and regular sex education from elementary school to high school. This initiative has been inconclusive due to a lack of resources and has too often been considered solely from a biological and informational point of view. Numerous reports have warned of an increase in violence among young people, exposure to pornography, or prostitution cases among minors, leading to the February 2025 circular: “An ambitious program: educating about emotional life, relationships, and sexuality.” The content of this program is structured and has been developed considering societal and medical changes. A complementary role between parents and schools, both in terms of the individual dimension of sexual health and its social context. Going far beyond purely biological issues, its comprehensive, secular, and positive approach is designed to be adapted to each age and level of education and is in line with the development of psychosocial skills. Delivering these sessions requires training and professionalism, which can be provided by external partners from middle school onwards. These experts offer tools for reflection and discussion, tailored to each topic and age group. They work closely with the educational teams at the schools. The implementation of these sessions from the start of the 2025 school year has been a real challenge, both in terms of organizing the sessions and communicating with parents, and adjustments are still being made.

PMID:41729647