Sex Education: Expansion and Diversification of Topics Covered Over the Past Two Decades

Introduction – Since 2001, the Education Code has required the implementation of annual sessions on emotional, relational, and sexual education in elementary, middle, and high schools. Since 2025, the content of this education has been governed by a national curriculum.Method – The “Context of Sexualities in France” (CSF-2023) survey provides data on the frequency of sessions received by educational level and on the content covered. A total of 2,086 people were surveyed on these two topics.Results – These data show that the majority of 18- to 29-year-olds received at least one sex education session during their schooling, primarily in middle school. The topics most frequently addressed relate to risks, but relationship-related themes have become increasingly common in these sessions over time. Among women, a link can be identified between having attended these sessions at some point in their lives and reporting that they had their first sexual encounter at the right time. Conclusion – However, further efforts are needed to develop qualitative follow-up and support the development of content related to pleasure and desire in these sessions.

Author(s): Rahib Delphine, Amsellem-Mainguy Yaëlle, Sireyjol Antoine, Andro Armelle

Publishing year: 2026

Pages: 250-256

Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2026, n° 12-13, p. 250-256

In relation to

Our latest news

news

Sexual Health Week 2026: Screening and Prevention Remain Essential

news

10 years of commitment and action in the service of public health

news

Call for Applications for the Renewal of the Editorial Board of the Weekly...