In 1991, Belgium was still deeply marked by the School Pact of 1958 and the lingering cultural dominance of the Catholic Church, even as church attendance plummeted. Education was (and remains) a community competence (Flemish, French, and German-speaking), but sexual education was not mandatory.
Marie (b. 1979, attended puberty class in Namur, 1991):
“They separated us. A nurse came and showed us a filmstrip with a woman bleeding. Then she said, ‘You will now be able to have a baby. Do not.’ That was it. No one told me about hair, about mood swings, about wet dreams—I didn’t even know boys had those. My first period, I thought I was dying.”
Liam (b. 2009, attended puberty class in Ghent, 2021):
“We had an app where you could ask anonymous questions. Someone asked, ‘Is it okay to share nudes if you’re 13?’ The teacher said no, and explained the law. Then she said, ‘If you have received a nude and didn’t ask for it, tell an adult. It’s not your fault.’ That made me feel safe. Also, we learned that girls get cramps, and we shouldn’t make fun of them.”
Sophie (b. 2008, Brussels):
“The best part was when a boy asked, ‘Do girls ever get random boners?’ and the teacher said, ‘They don’t have a penis, but clitoral erections happen inside, and they can be random too.’ The whole class went quiet. That was new information for everyone. Including me.”
In the attic of their family home in Ghent, seventeen-year-old Lise was rummaging through an old box marked "1991." It belonged to her father, Johan. Inside, amidst old cassette tapes and faded concert tickets, she found a small, blue notebook.
It was from his sixth-grade class, the year the school introduced "Sexual Education."
Lise opened it. The notes were scribbled in messy pre-teen handwriting. The first page read: Puberty. The body changes. Hormones.
She turned the page. Boys: Voice drops, hair on face, wet dreams. Girls: Breasts grow, menstruation, hips widen.
It was clinical. It was a list of biological events treated almost like a medical diagnosis. There were crude cartoons of reproductive organs, and in the margins, Johan had drawn a shield and a sword—typical boy humor masking the awkwardness of the time.
"Hey, Dad!" Lise called down the stairs. "I found your biology notes from the stone age."
Johan, now in his late forties, climbed the stairs with a smile. He looked at the notebook and chuckled. "Ah, 1991. The year we learned everything and nothing."
"What do you mean?" Lise asked. "It covers the basics."
"It covered the mechanics," Johan said, sitting on a dusty crate. "In 1991, in Belgium, the focus was on prevention. Don’t get pregnant, don’t get diseases. We learned how the body worked, but we never learned how the heart worked. We never talked about how scary it was, or how to say 'no,' or that it was okay to feel confused."
Lise pulled her own phone out of her pocket. She opened a PDF file she had received in her modern "Relationship and Sexuality Education" (RSE) class that very afternoon. She handed the phone to her father.
The title on the screen wasn't Biology. It was: Relationships, Boundaries, and You.
Johan scrolled. He saw sections on "Consent," "Gender Identity," "Online Safety," and "Emotional Intimacy." There were diagrams, but they weren't just of bodies; they were of communication cycles—how to listen, how to express needs, how to recognize non-verbal cues.
"This is what we did today," Lise said. "The teacher, Ms. Van Der Berg, started by saying, 'Sexual education isn't just about what happens below your waist. It’s about what happens between people.'"
Lise pointed to a highlighted section. "We talked about boundaries. Not just physical ones, but emotional ones. We did this exercise where we practiced saying, 'I’m not comfortable with that,' without feeling like we had to apologize."
Johan looked from the phone to his old blue notebook. In 1991, he remembered the boys snickering in the back of the room while the girls looked down at their desks in embarrassment. It was a subject shrouded in mystery and taboo. In 1991, Belgium was still deeply marked by
"It is different," Johan admitted, his voice softening. "In my time, we were told that puberty was a storm you had to weather alone. We thought the 'wet dreams' note was funny because we were terrified. We didn't have the words to talk about the loneliness of it."
"We talk about that now," Lise said. "We have a whole module on mental health during puberty. How the brain develops differently than the body. It helps to know that I’m not 'crazy' when my mood swings; it’s just my prefrontal cortex rewiring."
Johan felt a wave of relief. He looked at his daughter—confident, articulate, and equipped not just with facts, but with emotional tools.
"You know," Johan said, "In 1991, the only rule was 'Be careful.' That was it. We were given a map of the minefield, but not a compass."
"And now?" Lise asked, taking the phone back.
"Now, you have the compass," Johan smiled. "You know where you are going, and more importantly, you know that you own the map."
The thirty-year journey from 1991 to 2021 is arguably the most radical transformation in Belgian educational history. Belgium moved from a model of fear-based, biology-only, hetero-normative silence to a model of holistic, consent-driven, digitally-aware inclusivity.
Yet, the core challenge remains the same as it was in 1991: the gap between the adult world and the adolescent reality. In 1991, adults didn't talk enough. In 2021, adults are trying to talk over the noise of the internet.
The ultimate success of Belgium’s 2021 model will be measured not by how many teenagers know the name of the fallopian tube, but by how many grow into adults who understand boundaries, respect bodies, and communicate desire without shame.
For the teenagers of 2021, the conversation has finally begun. For those from 1991, it is never too late to learn.
— Sources: Sensoa (2020 report), ONE (Wallonia Child & Family), Flemish Ministry of Education (Decree on Integral Sexuality Education, 2012), Université Catholique de Louvain (Study on Pornography and Youth, 2020).
Puberty Sexual Education for Boys and Girls: A Comparative Analysis of 1991 and 2021 in Belgium
Introduction
Puberty is a significant phase in human development, marked by physical, emotional, and psychological changes. Sexual education during this period is crucial for adolescents to navigate their emerging sexuality, build healthy relationships, and prevent unintended consequences such as teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This paper explores the evolution of puberty sexual education for boys and girls in Belgium from 1991 to 2021, highlighting changes in educational approaches, policies, and societal attitudes.
1991: The State of Sexual Education in Belgium
In 1991, Belgium was characterized by a conservative approach to sexual education. The country's education system was, and still is, divided into three communities: Flemish, French-speaking, and German-speaking. Each community has some autonomy in educational matters, including sexual education.
In the early 1990s, sexual education in Belgian schools was primarily provided within the framework of health education. The content was often limited and focused on biological aspects, with an emphasis on reproduction. The approach was typically abstinence-only or "prevention-focused," aiming to discourage early sexual activity. Educational materials and programs were not always age-appropriate, and discussions about sexuality were often considered taboo.
Teachers, sometimes uncomfortable with the subject matter, might not have provided comprehensive education. Parents were sometimes involved, particularly in primary education, but their role was not systematically integrated into sexual education policies.
2021: Advances in Puberty Sexual Education
By 2021, there has been a significant shift in how puberty sexual education is approached in Belgium. Several factors contributed to these changes:
Comparative Analysis and Challenges
Comparing 1991 to 2021, it's evident that Belgium has made substantial progress in enhancing puberty sexual education for both boys and girls. The shift towards a more comprehensive and inclusive approach reflects changing societal attitudes and an increased recognition of adolescents' rights to information about their bodies and sexual health.
However, challenges persist:
Conclusion
The evolution of puberty sexual education in Belgium from 1991 to 2021 reflects broader shifts in societal attitudes towards sexuality, education, and adolescent health. While significant progress has been made towards providing more comprehensive and inclusive sexual education, ongoing challenges highlight the need for continued policy refinement, professional development for educators, and community engagement. Ensuring that all adolescents in Belgium receive high-quality, age-appropriate sexual education remains a priority for promoting their health, well-being, and rights.
Recommendations
By addressing these areas, Belgium can further enhance its approach to puberty sexual education, better equipping its young people to navigate their emerging sexuality in a healthy and informed manner.
Navigating the "New Normal": Puberty and the Rise of Romantic Storylines
Puberty is often framed as a biological checklist of growth spurts and voice cracks, but for most teens, the "real" action is emotional. As hormones shift, so do social priorities; the focus often moves from family-centered activities to intense social interactions and the dawn of romantic interest. This transition isn't just about "crushes"—it’s a critical period where young people begin building the social scaffolding for their future adult relationships. The Shift: From Friendships to "More"
Before puberty, social circles are typically gender-segregated. As adolescence hits, these circles begin to merge, often starting with mixed-gender group hangouts. The Bridge
: Friendships serve as a "practice ground" for intimacy and communication skills that later transfer to romantic partnerships. Identity Formation
: Teens "try on" different roles in relationships to figure out who they are as partners and what they value in others. Normalizing "No Romance"
: While media often pushes a "dating is mandatory" storyline, it is increasingly common and perfectly normal for teens to be in a romantic relationship. Building a "North Star" for Healthy Love Relationship education programs like Relationship Smarts Plus
focus on helping teens establish a "North Star"—a clear vision of what a healthy relationship looks like to guide their behavior. Key pillars of this education include: Teens: Relationship Development
Imagine handing a 12-year-old in 2021 a carefully designed booklet: clear diagrams, FAQs on emotions and consent, hotline numbers, and QR codes linking to trustworthy resources. Contrast that with the single, black-and-white leaflet of 1991 that focused only on anatomy. The difference isn’t just content—it’s a signal: we now prioritize young people’s autonomy, safety, and dignity.
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Puberty Education for Relationships and Romantic Storylines Puberty is a major life transition where biological shifts launch an intense interest in romantic relationships. While traditional puberty education often focuses on physical changes like the menstrual cycle or voice breaking, modern comprehensive programs are increasingly incorporating "romantic storylines" to help adolescents navigate the complex emotional and social landscapes they are entering. The Importance of Romantic Storylines in Education
Adolescent romantic relationships are not just "practice"—they are an integral part of the social scaffolding for adult life. Integrating romantic narratives into education helps teens:
Develop Interpersonal Skills: Relationships provide a "training ground" for refining communication, negotiation, and empathy.
Explore Identity: Romantic involvement is a key developmental task that helps youth understand who they are as partners and what they need from others.
Manage Emotions: These experiences teach adolescents how to handle intense feelings of attraction, the stress of new intimacy, and the resilience needed for breakups. Key Topics in Relationship-Focused Puberty Education
Effective curricula move beyond biological facts to address the "values piece" of growing up. Common topics include: “They separated us
Defining Healthy Relationships: Emphasizing trust, respect, and support while identifying red flags like control or isolation.
Consent and Boundaries: Teaching teens how to set personal limits and respect the "No" of others.
Conflict Management: Helping youth learn to express differing views and resolve disagreements without violence.
Social Media and Digital Life: Navigating online connections, recognizing cyber-bullying, and understanding the risks of sexting. The Role of Media and Fictional Characters
Teenagers often glean unrealistic ideas about love from movies and TV, which frequently glamorize toxic behaviors. Educators and parents can use fictional characters as "teachable moments" to:
Analyze Romantic Character: Discussing why certain characters are attractive and whether their actions align with healthy relationship traits.
Start Difficult Conversations: It is often easier for teens to discuss a fictional breakup or conflict than their own personal lives.
Deconstruct Stereotypes: Challenging tropes like "nice guys finish last" or "boys only want one thing" to build more authentic perspectives on dating. Resources for Parents and Educators
Several comprehensive guides and curricula are available for those looking to bridge the gap between puberty facts and relationship skills:
Puberty: The Wonder Years: A curriculum designed by a certified sexuality educator to break the stigma around puberty and provide trusted guidance.
AMAZE: Healthy Relationships Videos: Short, engaging videos for youth ages 10-14 that address relationship skills and "Safe Dates".
Sex, Teens, and Everything in Between: A book by Shafia Zaloom that offers a teen-focused approach to consent, love, and healthy relationships.
Growing Up: A Teenager's and Parent's Guide: An illustrated guide from DK Publishing covering everything from menstrual cycles to digital safety and relationships.
Educational bundles like the RELATIONSHIP, PUBERTY AND SEXUALITY BUNDLE are also available at teacherspayteachers.com, often featuring lessons on dating, boundaries, and life skills. Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
RELATIONSHIP, PUBERTY AND SEXUALITY BUNDLE - Body Changes Consent Life Skills
Puberty education has evolved from focusing solely on biological changes to addressing the psychological and emotional landscapes of romantic relationships and storylines. These educational frameworks help adolescents navigate the transition from childhood "crushes" to the complex, dyadic relationships of later youth. The Evolution of Romantic Storylines in Education
Modern curricula like the Growing Years (GY) programme and Plan International's CSE shift from "puppy love" narratives to structured explorations of intimacy, identity, and values. Adolescent Romantic Relationships - ACT for Youth
Two organizations define 2021's sexual education:
If you walked into a Belgian classroom in 1991, the sexual education curriculum looked vastly different than it does today. Over the course of thirty years, the conversation around puberty has shifted from a hushed, biological necessity to an open, socio-emotional dialogue.
Here is how the landscape of puberty and sexual education transformed for boys and girls in Belgium between 1991 and 2021.