Tthe Ontario government has released the much anticipated sexual-education curriculum.
The modified document, posted online at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, replaces the previously-criticized teaching plan by the Conservatives that eliminated lessons on consent, online bullying, sexting, same-sex relationships and gender identity.
In a release, the government says the document for grades 1-8 has been updated to reflect public feedback, research and advice from experts.
There is also an exemption policy that will require school boards to develop a policy which allow parents to exempt their child from instruction of the human development and sexual health education component of the curriculum.
Sexual health
The Human Development and Sexual Health component of the HPE curriculum helps students learn about healthy human physical development as they develop skills for healthy, respectful relationships.
Human development and sexual health education involves more than anatomy and reproduction. It can include a wide range of topics and concepts, including consent.
Sexual development is one component of overall human development. Students will learn about healthy human development in ways that will be geared to their age and stage of development.
The curriculum does not replace the role of parents in educating their children about sexual health.
Exemption policy
The government has issued a Policy/Program Memorandum that requires school boards to develop a policy/procedure allowing parents to exempt their child from instruction of the human development and sexual health education component of the elementary Health and Physical Education curriculum. Currently, not all school boards across Ontario have policies in place to address the exemption of children from sexual health education. School board policies/procedures must be in place by November 30, 2019.
Online resources
The ministry will release online resources for parents who may want to introduce topics at home whenever their child is ready. These resources will be available in the 2019-20 school year. More information will be provided in the future.