The topic of sex education in schools continues to spark debates around the world, fuelled by cultural, societal, and religious attitudes. Social listening data reveals the extent of these concerns, with parents from different countries and regions voicing their opinions online.
This analysis explores global concerns, highlighting regional variations within the UK and the US, and unpacks the cultural factors driving these discussions.
Top Countries with the Most Negative Conversations around Sex Education
| Rank | Country | Negative (%) of |
| 1 | Estonia | 51% |
| 2 | Latvia | 49% |
| 3 | Finland | 45% |
| 4 | Portugal | 43% |
| 5 | Norway | 42% |
| 6 | Czech Republic | 41% |
| 7 | Croatia | 41% |
| 8 | Poland | 40% |
| 9 | Austria | 40% |
| 10 | Sweden | 39% |
| 11 | Netherlands | 38% |
| 12 | Slovakia | 38% |
| 13 | France | 38% |
| 14 | Germany | 38% |
| 15 | Denmark | 37% |
| 16 | Australia | 36% |
| 17 | United States of America | 36% |
| 18 | Spain | 36% |
| 19 | Republic of Ireland | 34% |
| 20 | United Kingdom | 34% |
| 21 | Hungary | 33% |
| 22 | Italy | 32% |
| 23 | Belgium | 29% |
| 24 | Lithuania | 29% |
1. Estonia (51%)
Topping the list, Estonia’s negative sentiment stems from ongoing debates about
cultural appropriateness and the extent to which parents should control the
curriculum. Despite progressive education reforms, the integration of
comprehensive sex education has encountered resistance, often tied to traditional
values and generational divides.
2. Latvia (48.8%)
In Latvia, similar concerns dominate online discussions, with many parents
expressing discomfort with what they perceive as an overly liberal approach. Calls
for more parental involvement and stricter guidelines are common themes,
highlighting a tension between modern education policies and cultural
conservatism.
3. Finland (45.2%)
Renowned for its education system, Finland’s inclusion in the top three may seem
surprising. However, sex education remains a divisive topic, with debates focusing
on its content and delivery. While Finland emphasizes open communication and
inclusivity, resistance persists among conservative groups who argue that the
curriculum challenges traditional norms.
4. Portugal (42.7%)
In Portugal, negativity is driven by religious and cultural influences, where the
Catholic Church plays a significant role in shaping public opinion. Many parents
voice concerns about the perceived clash between progressive sex education and
traditional family values.
5. Norway (42.4%)
Norway’s high rank reflects a societal divide despite its reputation as a socially
progressive nation. Discussions often center around the balance between
educating children on important topics like consent and respecting parental
authority in determining what is appropriate.
Where does the UK rank?
The UK Ranked 20th, the United Kingdom has a lower percentage of negative
conversations (33.7%) compared to many European countries. This suggests that UK parents are generally less critical of sex education in schools, particularly when compared to their European counterparts in Estonia or Finland. But its still ranks high among online conversations
- Transparency in Curriculum: The UK government mandates that schools communicate with parents about the RSHE curriculum, ensuring transparency and building trust.
- Focus on Inclusivity: RSHE guidelines emphasize inclusivity and age-appropriate content, helping to alleviate concerns.
- Cultural Shifts: Societal attitudes towards discussing relationships and sex have evolved, fostering greater acceptance of education on these topics.
However, the UK is not without its challenges. Localized pockets of concern persist, with debates often centering around age-appropriateness and parental consent.
But where in the UK are parents seeing concerns?
Southwest England
| Rank | UK Cities | Negative % of Conversations |
| 1 | Exeter | 56% |
| 2 | Bristol | 50% |
| 3 | Bournemouth | 45% |
| 4 | Gloucester | 45% |
| 5 | Plymouth | 45% |
In the Southwest of England, cities like Exeter (56%) and Bristol (50%) feature prominently, with residents voicing significant concerns about the content and approach of sex education. Exeter leads the charge, with 56% of conversations being negative, highlighting a particularly vocal scepticism about the appropriateness of RSHE for young people.Bristol follows suit, with half of the conversations being negative, suggesting a regional trend where some communities feel the curriculum may not align with their values.
Yorkshire and the Humber
| Rank | UK Cities | Negative % of Conversations |
| 1 | Sheffield | 50% |
| 2 | Leeds | 47% |
| 3 | Scarborough | 43% |
| 4 | Kingston upon Hull | 40% |
| 5 | Doncaster | 33% |
In Yorkshire, several cities have shown notable concerns about Sex and Relationships Education (RSHE) in schools. Sheffield leads the region with 50% of conversations reflecting negative sentiment, likely due to a mix of traditional values and shifting educational expectations.
Leeds follows closely with 47%, where the city's blend of progressive and conservative views may contribute to concerns about the content and timing of sex education.
Scarborough, with 43% negative conversations, likely reflects a more conservative stance, where community members may feel that schools are overstepping in their teaching of sensitive topics.
Northwest England
| Rank | UK Cities | Negative % of Conversations |
| 1 | Liverpool | 46% |
| 2 | Blackburn | 45% |
| 3 | Manchester | 45% |
| 4 | Blackpool | 43% |
| 5 | Barrow-in-Furness | 29% |
In the Northwest of England, cities like Liverpool, Blackburn, and Manchester have shown significant concerns about Sex and Relationships Education (RSHE). Liverpool, with 46% of conversations being negative, may reflect the city’s strong cultural identity and a desire to ensure that educational content aligns with community values. Similarly, both Blackburn and Manchester, with 45% negative conversations, indicate a shared level of skepticism regarding the appropriateness and scope of sex education in schools.
Meanwhile, Blackpool, with 43%, and Barrow-in-Furness, with 29%, also reveal concerns, albeit at slightly lower levels, suggesting varying degrees of resistance across the region. These cities demonstrate the ongoing tensions between educational reforms and local expectations.
Scotland
| Rank | UK Cities | Negative % of Conversations |
| 1 | Glasgow | 55% |
| 2 | Aberdeen | 52% |
| 3 | Dundee | 51% |
| 4 | Ayr | 47% |
| 5 | Edinburgh | 44% |
| 6 | Dumfries | 44% |
| 7 | Greenock | 39% |
In Scotland, the conversation surrounding sex education is notably negative in several cities. Glasgow leads with the highest percentage of negative sentiment at 55%, followed closely by Aberdeen at 52% and Dundee at 51%. These cities reflect significant concerns about the content and appropriateness of the curriculum, with some residents voicing discomfort over topics such as consent and LGBTQ+ issues.
Ayr and Dumfries also show negative sentiment at 47% and 44%, respectively, while Edinburgh holds a relatively lower negative percentage at 44%. This data highlights the ongoing divide in Scotland, where urban areas tend to be more progressive, while rural and smaller cities show more resistance to comprehensive sex education.
The full ranking around UK Sex Education concerns
| Rank | Country | Negative (%) of |
| 1 | Exeter | 56% |
| 2 | Glasgow | 55% |
| 3 | Southend-on-Sea | 54% |
| 4 | Aberdeen | 52% |
| 5 | Middlesbrough | 52% |
| 6 | Leicester | 52% |
| 7 | Dundee | 51% |
| 8 | Sheffield | 50% |
| 9 | Peterborough | 50% |
| 10 | Bristol | 50% |
| 11 | Swansea | 50% |
| 12 | Cardiff | 49% |
| 13 | Luton | 49% |
| 14 | Dover | 48% |
| 15 | Coventry | 48% |
| 16 | Newcastle | 48% |
| 17 | Ayr | 47% |
| 18 | Lincoln | 47% |
| 19 | Leeds | 47% |
| 20 | Belfast | 46% |
| 21 | Liverpool | 46% |
| 22 | Birmingham | 46% |
| 23 | Londonderry | 45% |
| 24 | Blackburn | 45% |
| 25 | Bournemouth | 45% |
| 26 | Manchester | 45% |
| 27 | Ipswich | 45% |
| 28 | Gloucester | 45% |
| 29 | Brighton | 45% |
| 30 | Plymouth | 45% |
| 31 | Reading | 45% |
| 32 | Dumfries | 44% |
| 33 | Nottingham | 44% |
| 34 | Inverness | 44% |
| 35 | Edinburgh | 44% |
| 36 | Blackpool | 43% |
| 37 | Stoke | 43% |
| 38 | Scarborough | 43% |
| 39 | Cambridge | 42% |
| 40 | London | 41% |
| 41 | Norwich | 41% |
| 42 | Portsmouth | 41% |
| 43 | Northampton | 40% |
| 44 | Wick | 40% |
| 45 | Kingston upon Hull | 40% |
| 46 | Oxford | 39% |
| 47 | Greenock | 39% |
| 48 | Harlow | 38% |
| 49 | Taunton | 38% |
| 50 | Doncaster | 33% |
| 51 | Lisburn | 30% |
| 52 | Barrow-in-Furness | 29% |
| 53 | Carlisle | 27% |
| 54 | Penzance | 26% |
| 55 | Salisbury | 24% |
| 56 | Omagh | 21% |
| 57 | Whitehaven | 20% |
| 58 | Broadstairs | 16% |
| 59 | York | 13% |
The cities with the least concern about Sex and Relationships Education (RSHE) in the UK, including York, Broadstairs, and Whitehaven, reflect a more relaxed attitude toward the subject. York leads with only 13% of conversations being negative, indicating a minimal level of resistance or concern within the community. This suggests that parents and residents in York may be more accepting of RSHE as part of the educational curriculum. Similarly, Broadstairs and Whitehaven, with only 16% and 20% negative conversations, also show a relatively low level of concern.
How Concerned are US States About Sex Education?
The United States showcases diverse levels of concern surrounding sex education, with some states exhibiting strong negative sentiments and others showing more support or indifference toward the topic. The conversation surrounding sex education often ties into cultural, political, and educational differences across regions.
| Rank | US States | Negative (%) of Conversation |
| 1 | North Dakota | 56% |
| 2 | Delaware | 55% |
| 3 | Montana | 54% |
| 4 | South Dakota | 52% |
| 5 | Utah | 50% |
| 6 | Alaska | 49% |
| 7 | South Carolina | 48% |
| 8 | Iowa | 46% |
| 9 | Mississippi | 46% |
| 10 | Arizona | 46% |
| 11 | Wisconsin | 46% |
| 12 | Colorado | 46% |
| 13 | Alabama | 45% |
| 14 | Illinois | 45% |
| 15 | Connecticut | 45% |
Leading the list of concerned states, North Dakota, with 56% of online discussions about sex education being negative. This level of skepticism is also echoed in Delaware (55%) and Montana (54%), where debates centre on the effectiveness, cultural relevance, and appropriateness of comprehensive sex education programs. These states’ conversations highlight ongoing resistance to discussions that are seen as challenging traditional norms or values.
The top 15 states with the least concerns
| Rank | US States | Negative (%) of Conversation |
| 1 | Rhode Island | 31% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 33% |
| 3 | Wyoming | 34% |
| 4 | Maine | 36% |
| 5 | California | 39% |
| 6 | New York | 39% |
| 7 | Nevada | 39% |
| 8 | Indiana | 40% |
| 9 | Maryland | 40% |
| 10 | New Mexico | 40% |
| 11 | Michigan | 40% |
| 12 | Arkansas | 41% |
| 13 | North Carolina | 41% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 41% |
| 15 | New Hampshire | 41% |
On the other hand, states like California (39%) and New York (39%) show lower levels of negativity, likely driven by progressive policies that focus on inclusive education and the teaching of consent, sexual health, and LGBTQ+ rights. These states demonstrate a broader acceptance of sex education as a tool for public health and individual empowerment.
How the Global Conversation Affects Our Approach to Sexual Wellness
The global concerns about sex education, as revealed by our analysis, show how diverse cultural, political, and societal factors shape how communities view the inclusion of sexual health and relationships in educational curriculums.
As a brand committed to promoting sexual wellnes, we believe that these conversations are crucial. The negative sentiments in many regions highlight the importance of addressing misconceptions and fears surrounding sexual health. Education, when done right, can empower individuals to make informed choices about their bodies and relationships.
By focusing on removing stigma and embracing diversity in sexual health education, we hope to inspire change and contribute to building a more informed and open society. Let’s continue to support and empower individuals everywhere in their sexual wellness journey.
