In Switzerland, Sex Ed Means Wooden Penis And Fabric Vagina
In Basel, Switzerland, elementary school-aged children as young as four are getting their sex education via kit replete with a wooden penis, fabric vagina, dolls, puzzles and books. Oh, and a teacher’s guide instructing teachers to “show that contacting body parts can be pleasurable.” You’ll never guess what it’s called. A “sex box!” No, really, it is. (Sex ed is awkward enough for most students they had to call it a sex box?)
Outraged parents have written 3,000 letters of complaint to officials in Basel, who have agreed to renamed the sex box, reports The Christian Institute (no word yet on new name). Education minister Christoph Eymann said, “It was no doubt stupid to call it a ‘sex box’ we will change that.” But he says they’re sticking to their original goal, “to get across to children that sexuality is something natural. Without forcing anything upon them or taking anything away from their parents.”
The article also quotes Daniel Schneider, one of the program’s developers, who says, “Children should be encouraged to develop and experience sexuality in a pleasurable way.” To that end, the teacher’s guide suggests that teachers get students to massage each other or to rub themselves with warm sand bags accompanied by soft music.
The controversy brings up a couple of points. First, how young is too young to be teaching kids about sex in the classroom? Second, has this sex-ed program gone too far or is it a step in the right direction? We’d love to hear your thoughts; please weigh in!
(Photo: Hemera)
