No sex education please, we're European

COPENHAGEN: Sex education is still not fully accepted in Europe with rare exceptions, according to an international study co-conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the WHO European regional office said on Tuesday.   

"In countries such as Denmark and the Netherlands, sexuality education is widely accepted and supported, while objections are forcefully made in countries such as the Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland and Poland," the report said.   

The report was conducted in 26 of the 53 countries that make up the WHO's European region. It said religious groups were increasingly involved in educating young people about sexuality.   

"Although strong religious pressure is causing uneven distribution of sexuality education in many schools in the region, the involvement of religious organizations -- such as the Orthodox Church in Greece -- is becoming common," the report said.   

Entitled "Sexuality education in Europe - A reference guide to policies and practices", the study was carried out by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) European network, in collaboration with Lund University in Sweden and the WHO regional office for Europe. The report illustrated the main trends in the field of sex education.   

"Accurate and scientifically validated information for young people about the prevention of disease and unwanted pregnancy enables them to make informed choices and protect their health, but does not hasten the onset of sexual activity," it argued.