Sexual Education in Sweden

As a sex counsellor, I have held seminars for different schools, groups and colleges and I have remarked one thing; young Swedes have quite some knowledge when it comes to sex and sexual education.

Okay, now I’m generalizing but still. I held a seminar at an international school in Sweden, where some of the kids are Swedish and other international. I remarked that the Swedes knew more about sex than the others. Furthermore, this younger generation does actually know quite a lot in comparison to me and my friends when we were their age.

Now, as you may know, I am half Swedish half French (born in Paris) and I have always had in mind that Swedes have more knowledge about sex than French people. How come? I mean, France is the country of love, shouldn’t Frenchies have more knowledge about sex? And most importantly, what is Sweden doing?

Sexual education in school since 1955 – sex och samlevnad

Sexual education for pupils has been compulsory in schools since 1955. That’s 65 years of sex knowledge thanks to RFSU and the Swedish State. Hurray!

First, sexuality education is compulsory in schools and has been since 1955. Second, there is hardly any opposition to sexuality education in Sweden. It is included as a part of the general health objectives for public health work and often referred to as an important part of STI* prevention and promotion of sexual health.

Read more on sexual education at RFSU page.

More knowledge – better sex life and understanding

Thanks to those courses/seminars about sexual education, kids get to know their rights, the laws, but most importantly they get the chance to know themselves and their sexuality.

Sexual education in Sweden conveys facts about sexual and reproductive health such as anatomy, sexual functions, sexual orientations, STIs, HIV/AIDS, abortion and contraceptives.

Sexual education in schools gives all kids the chance to some good basic knowledge about sex and relationships. The knowledge they might not be given at home, perhaps because their tutors believe that sex is a taboo or not age-appropriate.

The thing is, kids are curious about themselves and their surroundings, and sex is a part of it. I believe it is very important to give them the opportunity to understand themselves and the world. Whether we want it or not, sex is a topic that will follow us all our lives. Hence, it is beneficial for teenagers to be introduced to sexual education from an early age and in an appropriate way.

Sex isn’t shameful. Sex should be pleasure, nice encounters and self-exploration.

Written by Delphine Cartier

Delphine Cartier is a sex counsellor who specialized in sexual trauma, trafficking for sexual exploitation and prostitution. Delphine has worked as a volunteer for several organizations helping women who have been sexually abused and/or been trafficked for sexual exploitation. Furthermore, she is a board member at RealStars Stockholm, an organization that seeks to fight trafficking for sexual exploitation by spreading information about trafficking and the sex purchase law throughout Sweden and Europe.
Being born and raised in Paris, France by a French father and a Swedish mother, Delphine speaks fluent French and Swedish. Furthermore, she speaks very good English and good Spanish as she has lived both in London and Madrid a couple of years ago. Hence, she can have sessions in any of those languages at her office in Stockholm.
Visit her website for more info.