: The film systematically addresses puberty-related subjects, including: Anatomy and biological functions Emotional changes and falling in love
Because while 1991 Belgium tried its best—within a pillarized, cautious society—no teenager should have to learn about their own body from a compressed archive of the past. They deserve the living, breathing, compassionate education that Belgium continues to build today.
While the film's production quality may seem dated today, its core philosophy—that knowledge, when delivered with respect and accuracy, empowers young people—has become the bedrock of Belgium's modern, comprehensive approach to sexual health. The journey from a single 28-minute documentary to the mandatory, multi-faceted EVRAS framework demonstrates a long-term institutional commitment to equipping all young people with the information, skills, and confidence to navigate their own development safely and respectfully. puberty sexual education for boys and girls 1991 belgiumrarl
A significant portion of the film is devoted to menstruation. It explains what a period is, why it happens, and how to manage it. Hygiene is covered in detail, with a strong emphasis on cleanliness for girls who are menstruating. One scene shows a young woman learning how to insert a tampon – a level of specificity that many sex education programs still avoid. The scene is notable for being “sponsored by Johnson & Johnson,” as their products appear conspicuously throughout the segment.
: Comprehensive breakdown of female menstruation (menarche) and the physical development of male anatomy. The journey from a single 28-minute documentary to
One of the most defining features of the 1991 Belgian curriculum was its deliberate choice to educate boys and girls both together and separately, depending on the topic.
The documentary starts at the very beginning. It shows two babies and explains how their genitals look different depending on their gender. From there, it moves on to how genitals change during puberty, emphasizing that these changes are normal and happen to everyone. Hygiene is covered in detail, with a strong
: Presenting self-exploration as a normal, healthy aspect of sexual development rather than a source of shame or guilt.
The Girls folder would be thicker, more detailed, and more paternalistic.