The “I’m the Boss of Me” puppet show has been a staple in Saskatchewan schools for 17 years, teaching children about sexual abuse prevention. However, a provincial ban on third-party organizations presenting sexual education in schools has restricted access to this important information. This has led organizations like the Saskatoon Sexual Assault and Information Centre to pivot to spreading awareness through libraries, resulting in reaching fewer children. Parents like Tamara Hinz are frustrated by this change, feeling that it creates unnecessary barriers to critical information that aims to prevent the sexual abuse of children.
With the ban in place, organizations that deal with sexual assault have had to find new ways to reach children and assist teachers. In North Battleford, the Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault Centre has started partnering with the library to continue educating children about abuse prevention. However, the executive director, Amber Stewart, acknowledges that the children who most need this information may not be reached through this method. As a result, more teachers have been reaching out for one-on-one counseling, leading to wait-lists due to high demand. Critics of the ban argue that Saskatchewan’s high rates of interpersonal violence and sexual assault make it essential for children to receive this education in schools.
Lisa Miller, executive director at the Regina Sexual Assault Centre, emphasizes the importance of youth learning about abuse so they can identify unsafe behavior and know where to seek help. She highlights the challenges some teachers face in teaching the subject due to personal histories with sexual abuse. Miller stresses the need for children to receive abuse prevention education, as those who are being abused are unlikely to receive this information at home. The Saskatchewan government maintains that the ban on third-party sexual education organizations is temporary and continues to be reviewed.
Planned Parenthood was the first organization suspended in Saskatchewan after a mishap in a Grade 9 sexual health class led to the ban on all outside organizations teaching sexual health. Despite this, organizations like Planned Parenthood Regina are finding ways to assist teachers in delivering this vital information. The focus has shifted to building educators’ comfort and facilitation skills to address tough topics and questions. Changes in policy like requiring parental consent for children under 16 to change their names or pronouns at school have sparked concerns about limiting access to accurate and evidence-based health information for youth.
The push to limit sexual health education in schools is part of a larger movement that seeks to restrict youth autonomy and access to important health information. Julian Wotherspoon, executive director at Planned Parenthood Regina, stresses the need to advocate for better sexual education and access to accurate information. The ban on third-party sexual education organizations has spurred organizations to find new ways to reach children and assist teachers in delivering this crucial information. The ongoing review of the ban by the Saskatchewan government indicates a willingness to reconsider the current restrictions on sexual education in schools, highlighting the importance of providing children with the tools to prevent and address sexual abuse.
