Report on Workshop 1: Sexual education in European countries B. Pinter (Slovenia), I. Batar (Hungary) 8th Seminar of the European Society of Contraception Sexual education: The key issue of reproductive health Warszawa, Poland 23 – 24 September 2005

Over 40 participants 16 countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, Netherland, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Serbia and Montenegro, Romania, Sweden, Turkey 10 topics discussed

Topics discussed - sex. education (SE) Mission of SE –K-nowledge, A-ttitudes, S-kills, P-ractice (KAS,KAP) Aim of SE –Preventing..., building self-esteem, increase communicaton What kind of SE is present? –Differences among countries –”Nine steps” (Finland) – ESC support? –When? – Who? – What?

Where could be performed? –1. family, 2. school,... Knowledge – which topics are covered and when? –Age specific –Rights to choose, self-respect... –Incorrect messages: ”Oral sex is not sex”? How to address attitudes? –Emotions,.. –Peer groups –Changing attitudes at different levels

How to improve skills and practice? –Positive approach – give choices –Interactive approach, role playing... –Involve psychologists, counsellors Media influence –Encourage ourselves and others to use media in more positive way Networking –Personal, local, national, international

Obstacles? –Conservativism –Faith groups –Lack of interest for their children in some parents, groups –Culture –Media –Finance

Conclusions To learn from experienced countries Start with ourselves More attention should be given to parents Listen first, than talk Do not coerce – give options Collaborate with media Ask ESC for support