Campaign helps parents with new opt-in sex ed policy

By Lethbridge Herald on August 28, 2025.

Alexandra Noad
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Beginning Sept. 1, parents will be required to opt-in for sexual health education for their school-age children after decades of it being an opt-out system. Essentially, parents who didn’t want their children learning the subject in school had to say no; starting this year, parent who do want their children to learn it will have to say yes.

Due to the change, YWCAs in Edmonton, Calgary, Banff and Lethbridge have joined forces to launch Opting In: Informed Choices for Healthy Futures, a campaign which highlights the importance of sexual health education.

Jill Young, chief executive officer of YWCA Lethbridge, says the campaign is to help parents have the knowledge they need to make an informed decision for their child.

“Our focus is on helping parents and caregivers understand what has changed and why these lessons matter.”

Studies show teens who receive sexual health education not only have fewer pregnancies, they’re more likely to cultivate healthy relationships though their formative years and into adulthood.

Young emphasizes the material taught to the children is age appropriate, with the younger students learning about friendships, understanding boundaries and respect, and the older ages being taught about puberty, consent and other health topics.

She also encourages parents who may have concerns about what’s being taught to their child to reach out to the child’s teacher to gain a better understanding.

“I would highly recommend reaching out to the teacher directly first and foremost, to understand what is directly being taught to the child so you are (able to make) an informed decision.”

ex education is a hot topic for many, with strong opinions on both sides. Young says the YWCA understands that, but adds the campaign is to help parents learn about changes to policy. It’s especially important as back-to-school can already be a stressful time for both parents and students.

“Like any other school year, there’s a number of different forms you need to sign as you look ahead to the school year,” says Young. “But this is why we are doing the education campaign; this is a change in process.”