Polish bishops condemn health education in schools, accusing it of promoting gender concepts and marginalizing family values.
The Church Warns About Health Education. “Systematic Depravation of Children”
Konferencja Episkopatu Polski o edukacji zdrowotnej
The Polish Episcopal Conference highlighted in a May letter that health education “contains content related to so-called sexual health aimed at fundamentally altering perceptions of family and love.” It criticized the curriculum for detaching sexual education from the context of marriage and family, noting that “marriage is almost absent as a topic, and the family—understood as father, mother, and children—is entirely marginalized.” The KEP further warned that the program introduces gendered definitions of sex, discouraging children from embracing their biological sex and instead encouraging them to reject it, paving the way for gender identity confusion.
Health Education Introduced as Non-Compulsory Subject from September 1st
Health education will become a non-mandatory subject starting September 1st for fourth-grade primary students and secondary school pupils. Classes will not be graded and will not affect promotions to the next grade. Topics include physical health, physical activity, mental health, nutrition, addiction prevention, and sexual health.
What Students Will Learn About Sexual Health?
“Students will learn about the structure of reproductive organs and the concept of bodily autonomy,” explained the National Education Development Center. “This is critical to protect children, teenagers, and later adults from violence, including sexual abuse. At every educational stage, students will receive age-appropriate knowledge about boundary violations, legal protections for minors, and where to seek help. They will also learn about online dangers, such as grooming, pornography, or blackmail.” In higher grades, lessons will address responsibility in intimate relationships, resistance to peer, media, and cultural pressures, as well as the consequences of premature sexual initiation, contraception, and pregnancy-related issues.
Nowacka: We Don’t Want to Expose Youth to Fake News
“I understand that some far-right groups have found a topic to fight over,” said Education Minister Barbara Nowacka in November. “Children and teenagers need reliable education in all areas. We don’t want them exposed to fake news, loneliness, or manipulation.” She emphasized the importance of teaching about “bad touch” and sexual violence, stating, “Children should know where to find help.” Nowacka also referenced the curriculum’s creators, including Father Arkadiusz Nowak, noting that “sexualization” occurs when children access unverified internet information.
Source: Gazeta, Ośrodek Rozwoju Edukacji (National Education Development Center), Minister of Education Barbara Nowacka.
