University of Guelph-Humber’s assistant program head of the early childhood studies program published a Globe and Mail article talking about the importance of sex education in schools.

The article coincides with the Ontario government’s release of a new interim sex ed curriculum for elementary school teachers to use this fall. Premier Doug Ford has suggested that there will be consequences for teachers who do not follow the interim curriculum.

In the article, published Aug. 23, Elena Merenda argues that sex ed teaches children about their overall health and that they have control over what happens to their bodies. She stresses that these teachings also help children understand gender, identity and love. She says reverting to the former curriculum could put children and society at risk of prejudice, discrimination and child abuse.

Merenda has more than 10 years of experience in early childhood education, early learning, therapeutic play and settings, and supporting families with children with special needs.