Awakening to emotional, social, and sexual life: empowering action
In a recent roundtable discussion, hosted by Joséphine Corcoral, the deputy general secretary of the National Council for Digital, the potential benefits of integrating digital technology into the newly introduced EVARS (Éducation à la vie affective, relationnelle et sexuelle) program were explored. The event saw the participation of Cécile Gondard-Lalanne, the rapporteur of the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council (CESE) opinion on EVARS, adopted in September 2024, alongside students and experts in the field.
The goal of the EVARS program is to address multiple health and well-being issues, including combating discrimination and violence in all forms, respecting personal and others' integrity, and promoting a comprehensive, inclusive, and well-coordinated education in affective, relational, and sexual life.
Digital technology can significantly strengthen the EVARS program in several ways. Firstly, it provides access and flexible learning opportunities, making educational resources available anytime and anywhere. Schools can use digital platforms to share age-appropriate materials, videos, and interactive content about emotions, relationships, and sexual health, ensuring students can absorb information in a safe and convenient environment.
Secondly, digital tools can facilitate communication and parental involvement. Schools can use school portals or apps to share regular updates on the program's goals and encourage parental feedback and interviews. This transparent and timely communication helps parents stay informed and engaged with their children's education.
Thirdly, digital technology can support collaborative and prepared interventions. Specialized organizations often collaborate with schools for EVARS sessions. Digital tools can help teachers and these organizations prepare and coordinate their interventions effectively, ensuring the content is consistent and well-targeted.
Fourthly, incorporating digital skills training helps students navigate online resources safely and responsibly. This is crucial for emotional and sexual health education in the digital age.
Lastly, with ethical safeguards, digital technology can help track students' understanding and attitudes over time, allowing educators to tailor the program to individual and group needs. For example, through interactive surveys or digital feedback tools, educators can gain insights into students' perspectives and adjust the program accordingly.
In conclusion, integrating digital technology into EVARS programs can support comprehensive, inclusive, and well-coordinated education in affective, relational, and sexual life while fostering parental involvement and safe learning environments. However, the content and delivery must respect legal guidelines, neutrality in public education, and parental rights as outlined by French educational authorities.
The roundtable also included the participation of four students from the Certificat égalité femmes-hommes et politiques publiques of Sciences Po: Clémence Carel, Julie Loye, Astrid van de Blankevoort, Sara Vicinanza. Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, a former minister, is the co-director of the Certificat égalité femmes-hommes et politiques publiques of Sciences Po. Cécile Gondard-Lalanne, the rapporteur of the CESE opinion on EVARS, and Claire Bey, head of the health and social action bureau of the Direction générale de l'enseignement scolaire (DGESCO) of the Ministry of National Education and Youth, were also present. Philippe Martin, a doctor in public health at the Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (Inserm) and the Institut national d'études démographiques (Ined), was responsible for the Sexpairs research project.
Science plays a significant role in enhancing the EVARS program by providing accessible, flexible learning opportunities about health and wellness, including sexual health. Schools can leverage digital platforms to share resources, Foster student understanding in a safe and convenient environment (learning).
Education and self-development can also be boosted through digital technology, as it enables educators to personalize content based on students' perspectives and tailor the program to individual and group needs (learning).
