Objective: This study aims to analyze recent draft bills from the Italian Government regarding Sexuality Education initiatives in light of international recommendations and Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) guidelines. Design and Method: A descriptive analysis was conducted to examine the content of proposals, introduced and approved by the Italian government in the year 2023. Results: In Italy, there is currently no legislation supporting Sexuality Education aligned with the guidelines present in the literature since 2010 with the publication of the Standards for Sexuality Education in Europe. To date, since 1975, a total of 34 draft bills from various political parties have been proposed. In the past year, two additional proposals have been put forward by the current government, responding to specific events. While one proposal specifically for Sexuality Education classes remained theoretical, the “Relationship Education” plan was unanimously accepted. However, the proposal presents some critical points: (1) It foresees the inclusion of 30 optional extracurricular hours; (2) the plan is planned experimentally from high schools; (3) the lessons will be supported by the presence of external experts or influencers, actresses, and actors; (4) there is no clear perspective on teacher training. Conclusions: Italy’s misalignment with the international context persists, based on recommendations regarding the introduction of CSE in schools. Addressing issues related to relationships and sexuality exclusively during adolescence, without genuinely opening the educational context to CSE, and without providing continuity and concrete educational practices, is a delicate step that risks being counterproductive. Teacher training, currently attainable through the completion of 60 training credits, does not encompass any topics related to sexuality education. Training on such topics remains an autonomous choice for the individual teacher
Descriptive and critical analysis of the recent Italian draft bills and context regarding Sexuality Education / Bruno, Valeria. - (2024), p. 190. (Intervento presentato al convegno 17th CONGRESS OF THE EUROPEAN FEDERATION OF SEXOLOGY. Sexuality in health and disease: Sexual health, rights and wellbeing tenutosi a Bologna, Italia).
Descriptive and critical analysis of the recent Italian draft bills and context regarding Sexuality Education
Valeria Bruno
2024
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to analyze recent draft bills from the Italian Government regarding Sexuality Education initiatives in light of international recommendations and Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) guidelines. Design and Method: A descriptive analysis was conducted to examine the content of proposals, introduced and approved by the Italian government in the year 2023. Results: In Italy, there is currently no legislation supporting Sexuality Education aligned with the guidelines present in the literature since 2010 with the publication of the Standards for Sexuality Education in Europe. To date, since 1975, a total of 34 draft bills from various political parties have been proposed. In the past year, two additional proposals have been put forward by the current government, responding to specific events. While one proposal specifically for Sexuality Education classes remained theoretical, the “Relationship Education” plan was unanimously accepted. However, the proposal presents some critical points: (1) It foresees the inclusion of 30 optional extracurricular hours; (2) the plan is planned experimentally from high schools; (3) the lessons will be supported by the presence of external experts or influencers, actresses, and actors; (4) there is no clear perspective on teacher training. Conclusions: Italy’s misalignment with the international context persists, based on recommendations regarding the introduction of CSE in schools. Addressing issues related to relationships and sexuality exclusively during adolescence, without genuinely opening the educational context to CSE, and without providing continuity and concrete educational practices, is a delicate step that risks being counterproductive. Teacher training, currently attainable through the completion of 60 training credits, does not encompass any topics related to sexuality education. Training on such topics remains an autonomous choice for the individual teacherI documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
