France is set to introduce a new curriculum starting September that covers topics including sex, gender stereotypes, and consent in schools following efforts spanning over two decades. This initiative comes after the French government passed a law in 2001 mandating sex education but failed to implement it, leading to a lawsuit filed by multiple non-profit organizations. The curriculum addresses issues such as sexual abuse and children’s exposure to online pornography, aligning with shifts in public opinion following the #MeToo movement. Although met with resistance and lawsuits from conservative groups who criticize it as “ideological brainwashing,” the education minister Elisabeth Borne emphasizes its essential role in addressing pressing social issues. The success of this program also hinges on adequate funding, a challenge yet to be fully addressed by the government.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/30/world/europe/france-sex-education-schools.html