'Sex Education Teachers' to Be Designated in Daycare Centers and Kindergartens

Classification of Infant and Toddler Sexual Behavior Problems into Normal, Concerning, and Risk Levels
Use of Neutral Terms Instead of Sexual Violence and Sexual Assault

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Sexual education teachers will be designated in daycare centers and kindergartens as well.

The Ministry of Education, Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, and Ministry of Health and Welfare announced a joint inter-ministerial plan on the 26th to respond to sexual behavior issues considering the developmental characteristics of infants and young children.

The main content of the plan is to use neutral terms instead of words like sexual assault or sexual violence and to classify the level of sexual behavior problems in infants and young children into three stages. The government plans to categorize the levels of sexual behavior problems in infants and young children as normal, concern, and risk levels, and establish a response system accordingly.

First, daycare centers and kindergartens must designate a sexual education teacher. The designated teacher will conduct ongoing guidance and education, as well as training and education for staff. If sexual behavior problems occur among infants and young children, prompt response is required. Regional Childcare Support Centers and Offices of Education will support teacher and parent education and provide consultation on responding to infant and young children's behavior. If sexual behavior problems at the risk level occur, local governments and education support offices will form case committees to perform support roles.

Furthermore, if sexual behavior among infants and young children occurs at a dangerous level, local governments and Offices of Education must conduct initial investigations and prepare mediation plans through case committees composed of experts, and implement protective measures for the children involved. Training for local government officials, Childcare Support Center and education (support) office staff, and sexual education teachers at daycare centers and kindergartens will be conducted by October, with additional dissemination and sharing promoted through training sessions delivered to individual kindergartens.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.