Parents’ Consent Required as Italy Brings in First Law on Sex Education
The law gives parents veto power over lessons and requires schools to share content and outside experts at least seven days ahead.
- On Thursday, the Italian Senate gave final approval to the "Valditara bill," requiring written parental consent for sex and relationship education for students ages 11 to 19. Sponsored by Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara, the law passed 78-38.
- Italy historically lacked a comprehensive national sex education policy, leaving content to individual school discretion. A 2025 Save the Children survey found only 47 per cent of Italian teenagers had received such instruction.
- Schools must now notify families seven days before sex education initiatives, providing details on outside organizations. While Valditara claims the law introduces mandatory "education in respect, relationships and empathy," critics argue the consent requirement risks exacerbating educational gaps.
- Angelo Bonelli, co-leader of the Greens and Left Alliance, labeled the legislation an "institutional absurdity" that betrays public schools' educational mandate. Giorgia D'Errico, Save the Children's Director of Institutional Relations, warned the consent requirement could widen cultural disparities.
- Valditara defended the measure, stating it protects minors "from the confusion of gender propaganda" and re-establishes parental rights. Pro Vita & Famiglia, a Catholic group, welcomed the law, enabling parents to reject initiatives they deem inappropriate.
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destentor.nlAfter the summer holidays, sex education classes could disappear for many children in Italy. As a result of a new law, schools will henceforth be required to ask for parental consent first. The measure is a victory for Giorgia Meloni's right-wing coalition.
Italy introduces parental consent for sex education in schools
After the summer holidays, many children in Italy could end their sexual studies. Schools must then obtain the consent of their parents. Thus, Giorgia Meloni's right-wing alliance has prevailed.
In Italy, sex education in schools will in future only take place with the prior consent of the parents.
Schools and high schools in Italy will be obliged to obtain the consent of parents before teaching sex education to pupils at least 11 years of age, according to a law adopted by the Rome Parliament. The normative act, supported by the government led by Giorgia Meloni, is presented by the initiators as a measure that strengthens the role of parents in the education of children, but is criticized by opposition and human rights organisations.
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