Bill > S2048

This bill, titled "Relative to healthy youth," amends Chapter 71 of the General Laws to establish new requirements for schools regarding sexual health education. Specifically, it mandates that any school district, vocational school district, or charter school that provides instruction on human sexuality must adopt a written policy that informs parents or legal guardians about the comprehensive sexual health education curriculum, their right to withdraw their child from all or part of the instruction, and the process for doing so. This policy must also allow parents to review program materials beforehand and be distributed annually in English and other commonly spoken languages by September 1st, or at the start of the school year if student handbooks are not distributed. If a student is withdrawn, they will not face disciplinary action and will be provided with an alternative educational activity. Furthermore, the bill requires that all sexual health education provided by these institutions be "medically accurate," meaning it is supported by scientific research and recognized by leading health organizations, and "age-appropriate," using teaching methods suitable for the developmental stage of children and adolescents. This education must be inclusive of all students and cover topics such as the benefits of abstinence and contraception, safe sexual activity discussions, and skills for healthy relationships. Schools that follow the Massachusetts curriculum framework for comprehensive health will be considered in compliance. This act will take effect for the 2016-2017 school year.