Many children ask their first questions about their bodies to friends or online. School can offer something those places often lack: accurate, age-appropriate information in a safe setting.
What international organisations say
In 2018, six UN agencies (UNESCO, UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women and WHO) published joint technical guidance on education about the body and relationships. It sets out the evidence for comprehensive education and the characteristics of effective programmes. It is designed to support curriculum developers[1].
Not just "biology"
Health education isn't only about the body. It is also about feelings, friendships, boundaries and asking for help. WHO stresses that protective and supportive environments in the family, at school and in the wider community are important for adolescent mental health[2].
The Greek context
In Greece, the Skills Workshops (Εργαστήρια Δεξιοτήτων) use Skills Cultivation Programmes that providers submit to the Institute of Educational Policy for approval[3]. A school planning health-education activities can start there.
School and family together
Health education at school doesn't replace the family. Good practice is for parents to know what will be taught and to be able to continue the conversation at home. That is why parents can see every lesson in Essense (for parents, for schools).