Italy introduces sex-education courses for children aged 3–5

Illustrative photo of preschool children. Photo: open sources

On November 25, 2025, the authorities of Genoa announced the launch of a program on sexual and emotional education for preschool children. The project will begin in January 2026 and will involve 300 children aged three to five in four municipal kindergartens, Il Giornale reports.

The initiative was presented by Genoa’s mayor Silvia Salis and the city’s education councilor Rita Bruzzone. According to them, the program is intended to help children develop self-esteem, an informed relationship with their own bodies, and respect for diversity. The courses will be conducted in cooperation with centers working in the fields of violence prevention and public education.

The administration emphasized that this is not about “teaching sex,” but about fostering safe emotional development. Families will be informed and involved at every stage of the program. Similar activities have already been held in some Genoa schools, but the new initiative will make them systematic.

The decision provoked a sharp reaction from the political right. Representatives of the Lega party accused the city administration of imposing gender ideology on children and attempting to implement controversial practices without considering the views of parents. Critics demanded mandatory parental consent for children’s participation and argued that such initiatives should be discussed at the national level.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that LGBT activists in Italy plan to stage a Pride parody of the Way of the Cross.

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