Monaco Introduces Educational Guide on Sexuality for Teens
Monaco has taken a significant step in promoting sexual education among its youth by introducing a new educational guide focused on sexuality for teenagers. The initiative, created by the Centre de Dépistage Anonyme et Gratuit (CDAG), aims to provide young people with reliable information on this sensitive topic.
Guide for Teenagers on Sexuality
The new educational resource is a 70-page manual designed for adolescents seeking accurate knowledge about sexuality. Developed over a year, the guide uses a question-and-answer format to facilitate understanding. It covers fundamental topics, starting from anatomy and puberty, then moving on to love, sexuality, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Adapting Timelines for Education
Originally aimed at high school students, the CDAG has decided to shift its focus to ninth graders. This change is based on feedback indicating that many students have begun to explore sexual experiences by this age.
- Target Group: Students in 3rd grade (ninth graders).
- Duration of Prevention Sessions: Two hours, annually.
Sophie Deroussen, a health manager at CDAG, stated that educators often feel uncomfortable discussing these topics. Consequently, many students are hesitant to ask questions. The new guide supplements existing sexual education provided in Science and Life Courses, addressing gaps in knowledge that exist among both students and educators.
Content Highlights
The guide not only addresses the physiological aspects but also tackles important issues such as consent and the impact of pornography. Key points covered include:
- Understanding STIs: Definitions, protection methods, and testing.
- Consent: Essential rules and guidelines.
- Pornography: Warnings about stereotypes.
- Legal Framework: Information on the age of sexual majority.
- Health Tips: Hygiene practices that are often overlooked.
This manual allows teenagers to explore its content at their own pace, and even adults can find valuable insights within its pages. Marina Tcholakian, a nurse at the CDAG, emphasized that the guide is not just educational but also adaptable for different learning styles and needs.
Collaboration for Enhanced Education
In addition to the guide, the CDAG is collaborating with Action Innocence, an organization dedicated to protecting youth from digital risks, including those associated with pornography. Starting in 2026, the two entities plan to conduct joint educational sessions in schools.
The introduction of this educational guide marks a proactive approach to tackling the complexities of adolescent sexuality in Monaco, ensuring that young people have access to necessary information and support. It emphasizes the importance of dialogue in fostering a healthier understanding of sexuality among teenagers.
