Recently, New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs raised concerns over a sexual education slide that is part of a presentation on healthy relationships and sexual health given to high school students across the country. The president of HPV Global Action, Teresa Norris, clarified that the slide featuring provocative questions like “Do girls masturbate?” and “Is it good or bad to do anal?” is designed to grab attention and normalize these questions among teens.
Norris emphasized the importance of providing accurate and age-appropriate information to teens regarding sexual health amidst the prevalence of misinformation online. The presentation covers topics such as healthy relationships, sexuality, consent, and sexually transmitted infections, including HPV, which can lead to various cancers.
While Higgs initially criticized the slide without full context, Norris hopes to engage in a dialogue with education officials in New Brunswick to address concerns and ensure alignment with the curriculum. Despite the controversy, Norris remains committed to supporting teens in navigating their questions and concerns around sexual health.