What is Scandinavian Sex Education Like?

Scandinavia, specifically Sweden, has a unique tolerance for sexuality, which encourages an honest, progressive approach to sex education that removes the taboo that other conservative, heterogeneous countries still have (Boethius, 1985). The unbiased approach used in the Scandinavian model of sex education as well as the volume of information covered highlights the faults in America’s sex education format.

Sex education in schools has been established in Sweden since 1942, which enforced abstinence; however, Sweden was able to change with the times of the culture, and in 1977 introduced a more nuanced sex education (Boethius, 1985). The acceptance of sexuality as part of every individual that Scandinavia has adopted is due to the science of sexology.

Sexology understands that all individuals are sexual by nature, which influences all aspects of our lives (Seidman). This can be seen in the way that the sex education model begins is based off the concept that “if young people see that sexual matters are surrounded by silence, secrecy, shame and fear, they will quickly come to believe that there is something wrong with their own feelings about sexuality” (Boethius, 1985, p.278). Because sexuality is natural, it cannot be harmful. Thus, it is natural to speak to young children about sex and sexuality. While sexology believes that only heterosexuality is natural, the way that Sweden interprets this theory does not facilitate this belief. The model actually harvests positivity and acceptance of not only heterosexual relationships and sexuality, but also of the LGBT community, in the language and openness that is used.

What is the model?

In order to implement the Scandinavian technique of teaching sex education, we must first understand the model used. Sweden’s sex education model includes two components. The first is specific classes on sex and sexuality. The manual introduced in 1977 stated “no information is harmful to children if it is conveyed in a manner appropriate to their age” (Boethius, 1985, p.277). Therefore, Sweden’s sex education is mandatory at every level of schooling, and addressed the topics from different angles (Boethius, 1985). This allows the educators to address the age group in a manner that truly concerns them. Students are more able to learn about what is actually pertinent to that life stage. As a result, students to gain even more familiarity with what sex really is.

Swedish Sex Ed Cartoon for Younger Children

The sex education model that we see today in Sweden incorporates many factors of sexual relationships that are unable to be discussed when a school is only providing abstinence as an option. For example, consent is one topic that is highly stressed in these courses. In older class settings, they also discuss porn in the educational setting, which allows students to analyze the content in ways that they would not have done otherwise. The class continues on to discuss anatomy, what sex actually is, rumors involving sexuality, and STDs and protection. The topics are discussed in an interactive way, making all students involved in their own learning process.

Despite providing sex education in all schools, there are schools that feel unable to carry this out. In these situations, sex education is still provided in a more effective way by certain organizations. For example, RFSU, or the Swedish Association for Sexuality Education, is a nonprofit organization that aims to improve sex education and health, and overcome prejudices (RFSU, 2015). They visit classrooms and provide sex education classes in the hopes of preventing violence, false attitudes, and discrimination (RFSU, 2015). Because not all teachers are trained to teach sexuality, RFSU provides comprehensive education to students while also fighting to make sex education mandatory for new teachers. This not only helps current students get education that might be otherwise hard to receive, but it also increases future generations’ chances of being properly educated.

Sex on The Map (film by RFSU based on young people’s own questions)

The second component of Sweden’s sex education format is an integrated technique. Educators incorporate sexuality and diverse lifestyles into the traditional curriculum. For example, when learning about history students would also learn about LGBT rights and experiences. Or when doing math word problems or reading books, students would hear about gay couples. This introduces a previously stigmatized sexuality to students at a young age, which further promotes acceptance and understanding.

Why Use It?

Scandinavia’s approach to sex education should ultimately be the model that America uses to being the transformation of their sex education programs. Doing this will help these nations catch up to the “gender paradise” of Scandinavia, which will help all of us advance worldwide education. The model develops comfort and openness with the topic, further eliminating the stigma and rumors that can arise without proper education. Scandinavian sex education models can easily be applied to American school systems, and this global consensus on how to address sex and sexuality will allow us to progress in a way that enhances health, knowledge, and acceptance.

Written by Alison Haight