Poland’s Education Minister confirmed health education will be compulsory starting next school year, but participation in sex education modules will be decided by parents or students.
Health Education to Become Mandatory
Education Minister Barbara Nowacka confirmed Thursday that health education will be a mandatory subject starting in the new school year. However, the module concerning sexual education will remain optional, with parents or adult students deciding on participation.
Presidential Office Weighs In
The Head of the President’s Chancellery, Zbigniew Bogucki, stated Thursday he is unfamiliar with the detailed curriculum but believes youth should receive age-appropriate sex education without ideological components. He indicated the President would have no objections if the program focuses on healthy lifestyles.
No Presidential Signature Required
The introduction of health education as a mandatory subject does not require the President’s signature. The focus should be on education and upbringing related to a healthy lifestyle.
Opposition Criticizes the Move
Former Education Minister and PiS MP Przemysław Czarnek criticized the decision, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that the ruling coalition is “coming for your children.”
Poland 2050 Expresses Frustration
Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, head of Poland 2050, criticized the change in policy, noting that her party previously advocated for mandatory health education excluding sex education. She pointed out that the Ministry initially intended to make all aspects of the subject mandatory, then reversed course.
Previous Low Participation Rates
Pełczyńska-Nałęcz added that student enrollment in health education declined significantly last year, turning the subject into a meme. The current proposal mirrors a solution offered a year ago.
Background: Evolution of the Subject
Health education, replacing “life skills education,” will be introduced in schools in the 2025/2026 academic year as a non-compulsory subject. It will be taught in grades IV-VIII (one hour per week, with grade VIII limited to the first semester) and in upper secondary schools (one hour per week for two years).
Initial Plans and Subsequent Revisions
The Ministry of Education initially announced the subject would be mandatory. However, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced in January of last year that it would not be. Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed a preference for voluntary participation.
Political Considerations Influenced Decision
The Education Minister later confirmed the non-compulsory nature of health education, citing “tensions” and the need to “protect the school from political turmoil.” She explained that conversations with teachers led to the decision, and admitted in March that the decision was “strictly political,” stating she had “no choice” but to follow higher-level government directives.
