School and health education: check what is taught

Canada has no single curriculum; each province has its own. Distinguish health education, puberty and safety lessons, and respect for diversity and anti-bullying, so you know exactly what your child is taught and can ask the right questions.

1. Start with the education ministry’s curriculum for your child’s grade, and ask the teacher for the actual materials and lesson plan. A viral video with no province, grade or date does not tell you what your child is taught.
2. Look at the official examples: in Ontario, Grade 1 covers body-part names, hygiene and the senses, while Grade 8 covers consent, sexual health and prevention, gender identity and sexual orientation.
3. Understand that there is age-graded sexual-health education. Describing all of it as training young children to engage in sex does not match these official examples.
4. Know that what some call “rainbow topics” may mean sexual orientation and gender identity. B.C. says the aim of inclusive education is to reduce bullying and discrimination, which is different from medical treatment or assigning a child an identity.
5. Ask about your province’s policy: Ontario has a limited exemption from the Grades 1–8 human development and sexual health unit only, and Alberta has notification and prior consent for specified topics.
6. Discuss your family’s values calmly with your child, and teach privacy, bodily boundaries, asking for help and respect for others. If you have a question, ask the teacher and principal for written clarification instead of rumours or frightening the child.

Caution: There is no blanket exemption and no single policy for all of Canada; ask about your own province’s rules.

Bottom line: Canada has no single curriculum; each province has its own. Distinguish health education, puberty and safety lessons, and respect for diversity and anti-bullying, so you know exactly what your child is taught and can ask the right questions.

Last reviewed: 27 September 2026