Verkfærakista starfsfólks og foreldra

The Gender Equality Academy website offers toolkits featuring teaching guides, activities, books, videos, and additional websites for classroom use. We organize this content by age group, tailoring it to children's development and knowledge at each education level. 

• Preschool toolkit
• Toolkit for the youngest level of primary school
• Toolkit for the mid-level of primary school
• Toolkit for the adolescent level of primary school

Comprehensive sex education focuses on various aspects of sexual health: physical, social, and emotional. Schools should always tailor sex education to the age and developmental stage of the children and young people they teach. Comprehensive sex education includes sex education, LGBT+ education, gender education, and equality education.

- Key priorities for sex education in primary schools

According to educational law, all children shall receive sex education at every education level. By providing comprehensive sex education, we are:

• Teaching children and young people to recognize and respect their own boundaries and those of others, while helping them understand that boundaries vary from person to person
• Building their knowledge of the body, emotions, gender identity, sexual orientation, rights, healthy relationships, and sexual health
• Strengthening their sense of self and developing their critical thinking skills so they can make decisions that benefit themselves and others
• Raising awareness of their sexual health and empowering them to make informed decisions guided by respect for themselves and others

The Gender Equality Academy bases its content on UNESCO's themes for comprehensive sex education. 

• Learn more about UNESCO's themes for comprehensive sex education
• Read three decades of research on comprehensive sex education

Before you begin, take time to prepare both the setting and yourself. Establish clear ground rules with the group around listening, respect, and confidentiality. When students help shape those rules, they develop a stronger sense of ownership over them. Be mindful of the diversity within the group and give extra thought to students who might find the subject matter difficult, as some need to know in advance what you will cover.

Word choice matters. Use gender-neutral language whenever possible, apply correct anatomical terms, and avoid making blanket assumptions about students or presuming their experiences. Your courteous and warm tone sets the atmosphere for the entire group.

Take time to reflect on your own attitudes and biases before you begin. If you do not feel confident leading a particular discussion, do not force it. It is better to bring in another professional or to prepare more thoroughly beforehand. Remember that you are in an educational role — not acting as a counselor or peer — so do not share your own sexual experiences with students.

Unexpected questions are a normal part of these sessions and often indicate that a student trusts you enough to ask. A few tips:

• You do not need to know everything. "That's a great question — I'll look into it and give you a proper answer later" is a perfectly valid response.
• If a question falls outside the topic or better suits an older group, take it seriously but explain when and where it fits: "That's something we'll cover when you're older."
• If a question suggests a student may be in a difficult situation, do not address it in front of the group. Speak with the student privately after the session and follow school procedures.

Comprehensive sex education covers a broad range of topics relating to bodies, boundaries, healthy relationships, queerness, gender equality, inclusion, multiculturalism, racism, and discrimination against disabled people, to name a few. Keep in mind that these topics may bring up difficult memories or experiences for young people, particularly those from minority groups. It is also good practice to prepare students by outlining the day's discussion, reminding them they can always step outside the classroom for a break, and letting them know they can speak with a school psychologist or school counselor if anything is weighing on them.