In Gdańsk, a protest of parents and teachers is underway against the so-called health education introduced by Minister of Education Barbara Nowacka. Its opponents point out that under the pretext of caring for children’s health, leftist views are being smuggled into the curriculum. “A child without a stable identity falls into depression, anxiety, even suicide attempts. We must protect our children from this. The family is a shield, a source of strength. Weakening children mentally with ideology from the very start can have disastrous consequences. Raising children in ideology means producing a generation of lost people,” said a psychologist taking part in the protest.
“A child is like a tree – we must protect its roots. A tree, too, needs strong roots to grow strong. This new subject cuts those roots off from the very beginning. Developmental psychology makes it clear: family is the foundation. Parents are a child’s guides on the path to adulthood. Tradition and culture provide the stability of our identity,” said the psychologist at the protest in Gdańsk.
“Do we want our children to be taught that gender is a choice, that today we prefer women, tomorrow we prefer men, and today we’re a spaghetti monster?” she asked.
“A child without a stable identity falls into depression, anxiety, even suicide attempts. We must protect our children from this. The family is a shield, a source of strength. Weakening children mentally with ideology from the very start can have disastrous consequences. Raising children in ideology means producing a generation of lost people, which is why I cry out today: let’s defend the family, let’s defend the roots!” she added.
The crowd chanted “Polish children in Polish schools” and “Education – yes, depravity – no!”
The organizers of the protest recalled one of the provisions included in the health education curriculum: the student identifies gender stereotypes and explains their impact on human functioning.
As part of this topic, students will be graded on building a positive image of themselves, their life, and their health among friends and family, seeking and verifying information, and carrying out activities aimed at combating the influence of gender stereotypes.
Parents who do not want their children to attend health education classes have until September 25 to withdraw them from the program.