Debated in Parliament on 26 Feb 2021.
Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Education in light of sexual harassment and assault cases that have occurred over the last few years involving young people, how are the notions of respect and consent taught in the Ministry's sexuality education curriculum.
Through MOE Sexuality Education, students are equipped with age-appropriate knowledge and skills to maintain safe and healthy relationships, recognise risks and make informed and responsible decisions on sexuality matters.
For example, in primary school, students are taught about personal safety and protection of oneself from unhealthy relationships, sexual exploitation and abuse. In secondary school and at the pre-university level, there is a greater focus on how to build healthy relationships. This includes helping students understand the importance of treating others and themselves with respect, the need to assert and respect boundaries for self and others, and the social-emotional and legal consequences if they overstep these boundaries.
Students are taught to seek help from trusted adults, such as their parents, teachers and school counsellors when there is risk of their personal safety being compromised, or when they think that their peers are being exposed to violence or harmful influences.
Schools also engage and work closely with parents to support their children as they play a critical role in imparting values of respect and providing guidance to their children.
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