Ontario's new sex-ed curriculum has Winnipeg parents talking

Some Winnipeg parents are weighing in on Ontario's new sexual-education curriculum, which will be taught to students starting in Grade 1.

The revised curriculum, which will be taught in Ontario schools starting in September, marks the first time sex education courses in that province have been updated since 1998 and will include more information about the role technology plays in youth sexuality.

• New Ontario sex-ed curriculum ready for September

According to a "quick facts" guide for parents about the new curriculum, students in Grades 1, 2 and 3 will learn initial searching skills and strategies for safe internet use, including "how to get help for themselves or others if harassment or abuse happens either face-to-face or online."

In Winnipeg, parent Lisa Tinley says she thinks Grade 1 is a bit too early to learn sex education, but she added that educating children is important because they can access things too easily on the internet.

"I think parents are having to talk to their kids at earlier, earlier ages because things are available to them that they weren't made available before," she said.

Mike Witoski, the parent of two children, says he's glad sex education is being taught in schools.

"Aside from talking to them at home about it … if they were enforced at the school, I don't think that's a bad idea," he said.

Primary-grade students in Ontario will also learn the difference between real and fictional violence, in the media or with online games, and "respectful communications" in the gym, classroom and school yard.

Older students will learn about the dangers of "sexting" — that is, sending sexually explicit pictures of themselves to people online.