Sex ed in schools

The Asl health service in Pisa recently began a new initiative to teach youth about the birds and the bees. Three thousand students at 11 secondary schools in Pisa took part in the sex education project, wich involved a board game to test and teach the youth on a variety of issues ranging from gender identity and equality, to sexuality and pregnancy. ‘The idea was born out of necessity to overcome the traditional educational model,’ explained Dr. Paola Marini, ‘in which the specialist, gynecologist, psychologist or midwife are called upon to give lectures to students. In this case, however, the children participate actively and with enjoyment, and the percentage of messages learned and acknowledged tends to be higher.’ The playing cards feature trivia questions on sexuality and relationships, anatomy and the physiology of reproduction, contraception, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and high-risk behaviours.