Are there Global Concerns About Sex Education?

Are there Global Concerns About Sex Education?

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.

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