Dutch schools focus on sexual health during ‘week of love’
More than 73,000 students across 240 Dutch secondary schools will participate in the Week of Love, an annual educational initiative aimed at promoting healthy relationships and safe sex. This year, special attention is given to condom use, misinformation about hormonal contraception, and the rise of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Concerns about declining condom and birth control use have been growing. “Knowledge is lacking and can also be negatively influenced by misinformation from social media, friends, and family,” knowledge center Rutgers warned last year. Research from Rutgers found that many women who recently had an abortion became pregnant because no contraception was used.
The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has also reported an increase in gonorrhea and syphilis cases.
The Week of Love primarily targets teachers, providing them with lesson plans and educational materials. “Research shows that comprehensive relationship and sex education helps young people make more informed decisions about their sexual activity. Inclusive education also contributes to a safer and more respectful environment for all students, particularly for the LGBTQIA+ community,” the organizers stated.
The initiative is led by Soa Aids Nederland, Rutgers, and regional public health services (GGD).
