Missing entirely from most curricula in 1991 was any discussion of:
Navigating the shift from childhood to adolescence involves more than just physical changes; it marks a significant evolution in how young people experience attraction and build romantic connections. Puberty hormones trigger new emotions, shifting focus from same-gender friend groups to mixed-gender interactions and the emergence of "crushes". 1. Understanding Early Romantic Milestones puberty sexual education for boys and girls 1991 belgium
If a romantic storyline doesn't have a "happily ever after," it can feel like the end of the world to an adolescent. Educators and parents should provide a safe space to discuss rejection. Teaching that a "no" is a reflection of compatibility rather than personal worth is a vital life skill that builds emotional resilience. Inclusive Narratives Missing entirely from most curricula in 1991 was
Focused on internal feelings of attraction and desire, often with limited actual contact. especially in rural West Flanders.
Outside the library, Lena and Jonas found themselves walking home together along the canal. Conversation started clumsy — a joke about how grown-up they were — then slipped into something more honest. Lena admitted she was nervous around boys; Jonas confessed he sometimes felt lonely even when he was surrounded by friends. They laughed at how their parents still treated them like children, then traded tips from the handout: what to carry in a schoolbag (tissues, sanitary pads, a small bar of soap), how to talk to trusted adults if something felt wrong.
In 1991, sexual education was not yet a fully standardized, standalone subject across all Belgian schools. Instead, it operated under the broader umbrella of Biology or Social Education .
By 1991, Flanders had begun shifting toward more pragmatic, health-focused sex ed. The Sensoa organization (founded 1988) was lobbying for "relationship and sexual education" (REL). Flemish schools were slightly more likely to use videos showing real adolescents discussing their worries. However, the influence of the Christian Democratic party (CVP) kept many schools focused on abstinence-until-marriage messaging, especially in rural West Flanders.