On July 8, a Georgian-language Facebook user published a video discussing the standards of sex education. The video states that according to the new recommendations of the World Health Organization, children between the ages of 9 and 12 should have their first sexual experience and use pornographic materials, children between the ages of 0 and 4 should be given information about masturbation, and children between the ages of 12 and 15 should know the difference between heterosexual and homosexual relationships.
Videos with identical content were also distributed by Russian-speaking Facebook users in 2023 (1,2,3).
Information about WHO’s sex education standards is disseminated in a manipulative manner. In fact, the guidelines aim to inform and educate children about sexuality in an age-appropriate manner, not to encourage children to engage in any type of sexual activity. The sex education standards in the guide aim to prevent risky behavior by giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions.
“The framework Standards for Sexuality Education in Europe,” published by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and BZgA, aims to provide children and adolescents with age-appropriate information, promoting healthy attitudes towards sexuality and relationships. The guide outlines key themes and concepts that should be introduced at various age stages to promote healthy youth development. The guide presents a matrix divided into different age categories (0-4, 4-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12-15, 15+). Each category presents topics and concepts that should be introduced at one stage or another. For example, topics aimed at the 9-12 age group include: first sexual experience, gender orientation, love, being in love, pleasure, masturbation, orgasm, differences between gender identity and biological sex. The inclusion of these topics is intended to inform and educate children about sexuality in an age-appropriate manner and not to encourage children to engage in any type of sexual activity. “First sexual experience” between the ages of 9-12 means not encouraging sexual activity, but understanding what it means, the emotional aspects involved, and the importance of consent and readiness. Providing adults with accurate information about these issues is important in order for children and adults to correctly perceive body changes, emotions, relationships and respect personal boundaries. In addition, by providing factual and age-appropriate information, the guidelines help children and young adults dispel myths and misconceptions, which are important for developing a healthy and informed approach to sexual development.
It’s also worth noting that the sex education standards in the guide aim to promote safe practices and prevent risky behavior by equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions and build healthy relationships.
The video also claimed that according to WHO standards, children aged 0-4 should be taught what masturbation is. In fact, the recommendations for children aged 0-4 suggest that children can explore their bodies and understand their own bodily autonomy. This part is probably not about sex education, but about building a positive attitude towards one’s own body and promoting self-esteem.
According to another claim, a child between the ages of 4-6 should know that masturbation is a form of expressing his desire and should also know the difference between heterosexual and homosexual relationships. In fact, for this age group, the guidelines recommend that children should have the “right to explore their gender identities” and should know that friendship and love can exist between people of the same sex. The document mentions “touching and exploring the body” but does not mention masturbation as a form of defining and expressing desire. This section emphasizes understanding and respect for diversity without focusing on sexual behaviors.
It’s also worth noting that the sexuality education standards in the guide aim to promote safe practices and prevent risky behavior by equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions and build healthy relationships.
The video also claimed that according to WHO standards, children aged 0-4 should be taught what masturbation is. In fact, the recommendations for children aged 0-4 suggest that children can explore their bodies and understand their own bodily autonomy. This part is probably not about sex education, but about building a positive attitude towards one’s own body and promoting self-esteem.
According to another claim, a child between the ages of 4-6 should know that masturbation is a form of expressing his desire and should also know the difference between heterosexual and homosexual relationships. In fact, for this age group, the guidelines recommend that children should have the “right to explore their gender identities” and should know that friendship and love can exist between people of the same sex. The document mentions “touching and exploring the body” but does not mention masturbation as a form of defining and expressing desire. This section emphasizes understanding and respect for diversity without focusing on sexual behaviors.
Why do we need sex education?
Sex education includes knowledge about the development of the human body, the period of puberty, respect between people, building healthy relationships, contraception, etc. Its core principle is to provide age-appropriate, evidence-based information to children and young adults. Sex education helps individuals understand the importance of consent, helps them know their rights, and respect others’ boundaries. This knowledge, in turn, helps build healthy relationships, which are critical to preventing sexual abuse. In addition, sexuality education provides information about different contraceptive methods, helps individuals make informed choices about reproductive health, and includes topics related to fertility, menstrual cycles, and biological aspects of reproduction, which help individuals make decisions while reducing the incidence of abortions and unwanted pregnancies. In addition, sexual education reduces the risk of developing sexually transmitted infections. It is also worth noting that sex education supports mental and emotional health as well. By teaching the normality of body changes and sexual development, sexuality education helps individuals develop positive body image and self-esteem. Sex education also addresses the emotional aspects of sexual relationships, helping individuals understand the importance of emotional readiness and maturity before engaging in sexual activities.
About the source
The Facebook account Maia Tvaltvadze regularly spreads disinformation and conspiracy theories. “Myth Detector” verified the false information spread by the user many times in the past.
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