Between 1991 and 2021, Belgium transitioned from a of puberty and sexual education to a rights-based, inclusive, and emotionally intelligent model taught to boys and girls together. The shift was driven by HIV/AIDS (in the 1990s) and later by gender equality, LGBTQ+ activism, and digital realities (in the 2010s–2020s). While 1991’s education left many questions unanswered, 2021’s approach recognizes that puberty is not just about reproduction—it is about becoming a person with desires, boundaries, and relationships. Nevertheless, implementation remains uneven, and the debate over how much, how early, and by whom continues in Belgian society.
: Romance is seen as a vehicle for identity development, where staying true to oneself is more important than fitting a stereotype. Puberty Resources & Curricula Between 1991 and 2021, Belgium transitioned from a
: 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 'I’m not comfortable with that
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." but emotional ones.
Belgian youth clinics recommend:
