The introduction of health education in Polish schools has sparked debate over its sexuality component, with calls from the Episcopal Conference for parents to opt-out their children from participation.
Health education has been implemented in Polish schools since September 1, 2025, but it remains non-mandatory, with only about 30% of eligible students currently participating. The most contentious aspect of this program is its focus on sexuality, which has led the Polish Episcopal Conference to encourage parents to withdraw their children from these classes, expressing concern over the curriculum. In response, the Ministry of Education emphasizes that health education is essential for addressing modern challenges and serves as a vaccine against various issues faced by today’s youth.
The Ministry of Education is considering potential adjustments to the health education curriculum, with a decision expected by the end of March. Politician Barbara Nowacka highlighted the importance of finding a compromise that ensures maximum participation among students. Speculations suggest that potential compromises could include the removal of certain topics, specifically those related to sexual health, to accommodate concerns from parents and religious groups while still attempting to fulfill the educational objective of the program.
The discussions surrounding health education in Poland reflect a broader societal struggle regarding sexual education and the influence of different cultural and religious perspectives on education policy. As debates continue, the decisions made in the coming months could significantly impact the landscape of health education in Poland, potentially setting a precedent for similar discussions in other countries facing similar dilemmas.
