The WHO guidance says that children aged four and under should be taught about ‘enjoyment and pleasure when touching one’s own body, early childhood masturbation’

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is under pressure to withdraw guidance for schools recommending that toddlers “ask questions about sexuality” and “explore gender identities”.

The guidance says that “sexuality education starts from birth” and is described as a “framework for policy makers, educational and health authorities and specialists”.

Its advice on how to “talk about sexual matters” with young children was aimed at policymakers across Europe, and was translated into several European languages and promoted at national and international events, according to the WHO.

The document was also cited in a report consulted by Welsh ministers who last year rolled out a mandatory sexual education syllabus to schools in Wales, and has led to a backlash from the Government, MPs and activists.

The advice proposes that four-to-six year olds should be taught to “talk about sexual matters” and “consolidate their gender identity”.

The guide recommends that children under the age of four should be told they have ‘the right to ask questions about sexuality’ and ‘the right to explore gender identities’

The guide recommends that children under the age of four should be told they have ‘the right to ask questions about sexuality’ and ‘the right to explore gender identities’ Credit: WHO

It recommends that children under the age of four should be told they have “the right to ask questions about sexuality” and “the right to explore gender identities”.

The WHO guidance also says that children aged four and under should be taught about “enjoyment and pleasure when touching one’s own body, early childhood masturbation”.

These topics are described as the “minimal standards that need to be covered by sexuality education”.

Telegraph —13 May 2023