to help families discuss these topics at home
The 2012 decree was a watershed moment, but its implementation was uneven. A 2021 report indicated that fewer than 20% of schools in Wallonia were offering the program in its full intended form, highlighting a persistent gap between policy and practice.
Navigating the "New Normal": Puberty and the Rise of Romantic Storylines to help families discuss these topics at home
Despite these advances, a 2021 survey of students at the University of Mons (Wallonia) revealed in what young people actually learn. While 99% of respondents had received some general information about sexuality during mandatory schooling, the coverage was uneven. Most students reported being taught about sexual anatomy (92%), human reproduction (84%), contraceptive methods (84%), puberty (77%), and STIs (71%). However, very few had learned about sexual desire and pleasure (only 2%) , pornography (5%), sexual and reproductive rights (6%), gender identities (8%), or sexist, homophobic, transphobic and sexual cyberviolence (less than 10%). Moreover, one‑quarter of female students reported experiencing sexism (18%), sexual abuse (5%), or sexual cyberviolence (4%), while none of the male respondents reported any forms of discrimination or violence.
The onset of puberty marks a profound turning point in human development. Traditionally, health curriculums approach this milestone through a purely biological lens, focusing heavily on anatomy, hormonal fluctuations, and reproductive mechanics. While these clinical facts are essential, they represent only half of the adolescent experience. While 99% of respondents had received some general
For many pre-teens and teenagers, their first exposure to romance does not happen in real life; it happens through media. Streaming platforms, social media algorithms, literature, and music are saturated with romantic storylines. From idealized celebrity couples on TikTok to dramatic relationship arcs in young adult series, adolescents consume vast amounts of narrative data about love.
Whether you are a parent, a teacher, or a teenager in Belgium today, the best sexual education is not just about preventing harm. It is about preparing young people for a lifetime of healthy, consensual, and informed relationships. And that lesson—learned across thirty years—is one that Belgium has finally begun to teach. often called "crushes
Early romantic feelings, often called "crushes," can feel all-consuming and overwhelming.