The Controversy Surrounding “Respektiä – Seksikirja pojille” in Finnish Schools
Recently, a heated debate has erupted on social media over the distribution of the book “Respektiä – Seksikirja pojille” (Respect – A Sex Book for Boys) in Finnish schools. Mirka Råback from the Finnish National Agency for Education has stated that the book is not part of the curriculum or used as teaching material in schools.
Not a Standard Textbook
Råback emphasized that while sex education is an important component of the curriculum in Finnish secondary schools, schools have the freedom to choose their teaching materials. However, she clarified that the controversial book in question is not a standard textbook, and to her knowledge, it has not been used as educational material.
Sex education is typically covered in a more concise manner in official textbooks compared to the over one-hundred-page book that has sparked controversy.
The Origin of the Book
The book, written by Swedish author and sex educator Inti Chavez Perez, was translated into Finnish in 2019. It was distributed to Finnish secondary schools as part of the Reading Clan project funded by the Finnish Cultural Foundation. The project aimed to support young people’s literacy by donating a package of over a hundred books to schools.
The Debate Escalates
The debate surrounding the sex education guide intensified after a report by Ilta-Sanomat highlighted the discussions on social media triggered by the book’s distribution in schools.
The book’s explicit language, which includes detailed instructions on topics such as body exploration, sexual activities, and techniques, has been a focal point of the controversy.
Political Response
Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen from the Christian Democrats party has condemned the book as “clearly sexual harassment of children” and recommended that parents file criminal reports.
Råback refrained from commenting on potential criminal reports or legal issues but stated that the Finnish National Agency for Education is not responsible for the selection of books in school libraries. Therefore, the agency does not dictate which books schools can include in their collections.
While avoiding direct judgment on the content, Råback expressed that in a free society, individuals should have the autonomy to explore such materials without legal repercussions.
Conclusion
The distribution of “Respektiä – Seksikirja pojille” in Finnish schools has sparked a contentious debate regarding the boundaries of sex education and the role of educational materials in shaping students’ understanding of sexuality. As the discussion continues, it raises important questions about parental involvement, curriculum oversight, and the balance between freedom of information and safeguarding minors.
FAQs
Is “Respektiä – Seksikirja pojille” a mandatory textbook in Finnish schools?
No, the book is not a mandatory part of the Finnish school curriculum. Schools have the autonomy to choose their teaching materials for sex education.
What was the purpose of distributing the book to schools?
The book was part of a literacy project funded by the Finnish Cultural Foundation to support young people’s reading skills. It was not specifically intended as a core educational resource for sex education.