Chen Wei, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress and assistant to the head of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Photo: screenshot

A deputy to the 14th National People's Congress has called to make comprehensive sex education a formal part of China's national curriculum, with mandatory classes starting as early as kindergarten, the Global Times learned on Wednesday on the sidelines of this year's "two sessions." 

Chen Wei, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress and assistant to the head of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, told the Global Times that sex education in China still has a long way to go compared to international norms. 

News about sexual assault on campus and unintended pregnancies among teenagers is not uncommon. According to statistics from the Girls' Protection public welfare team, an analysis of child sexual assault cases in 2024, based on 205 publicly reported media cases, reveals the severity and complexity of sexual assault crimes against minors, southcn.com reported. 

Data shows that more than 690 children were victimized, with girls accounting for more than 90 percent. The proportion of crimes committed by acquaintances is as high as 82.74 percent, and schools and online spaces have become high-incidence scenarios, the report said.

"Last year I proposed that we are lacking locally developed sex education textbooks in China. As you can see, new textbooks have now been introduced, but we still have a shortage of professional teachers," Chen said. This year, Chen is calling for the creation of a dedicated program to train sex education teachers. "Without professional teachers, the lessons never really begin." 

At the basic education level, there are no full-time positions for sexuality education teachers. Classes are typically taught by teachers from other subjects, such as biology or moral education, on a temporary basis. Many lack professional training, making it difficult to ensure continuity and quality in instruction, according to Chen.

Most of these teachers have not received systematic academic training in sex education, resulting in an uneven grasp of the subject. Also, sex education remains marginalized in the school curriculum. The shortage of professional teachers means lessons rarely go beyond basic physiology, failing to meet the real developmental needs of children and adolescents, Chen noted. 

A UNESCO report titled International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education: An Evidence-Informed Approach provides sound technical advice on the characteristics of effective comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) programs.

It requires teachers to transform from "knowledge lecturers to enablers," Chen said. 

In detail, the NPC deputy recommends incorporating comprehensive sex education into the national basic education curriculum system, issuing guidelines for sex education curricula in primary and secondary schools, clarifying its positioning as part of quality-oriented education, and establishing a progressive framework for class hours and teaching content from kindergarten through high school. 

The curriculum should cover comprehensive topics including relationships, gender and rights, Chen said. 

At the university level, Chen called to encourage institutions with adequate resources to offer minors or micro-programs in sex education to form a reserve of professional teachers, and to establish comprehensive sex education as a required or core elective course in relevant majors such as preschool education, primary education and psychology.

The deputy also mentioned establishing training systems, national certification 

pathways that include theoretical study, practical teaching, and supervisory evaluation to help train sex education teachers. 

In 2021, the State Council issued the Outline for the Development of Chinese Children (2021-2030). The outline stipulates that sex education will be incorporated into the basic education system and the quality monitoring system to enhance educational effectiveness. 

It also guides parents or other guardians to provide sex education based on the child's age and developmental stage, strengthen education on preventing sexual abuse, and improve children's awareness and capacity for self-protection.