Nearly 90% of Parents Believe Sex Education in Schools Is Necessary, with Nearly 70% Advocating for Comprehensive Content Including Pregnancy and Childbirth (Doronko-kai Group)

The Doronko-kai Group (headquartered in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) has been conducting the 'Sex Education Awareness Survey' since the 2022 fiscal year. In the 2025 fiscal year, the group conducted a survey on 'Awareness of Sex Education in Schools' and is now releasing the results.

Survey Summary

1. 96.0% of parents responded that 'sex education in schools is necessary'

Many responses highlighted real-life issues in school settings and the benefits of shared, standardized sex education.

2. Nearly 70% of parents want schools to teach about 'pregnancy and childbirth' and 'sexual acts and contraception methods'

Responses indicate a desire for broad education that goes beyond puberty and private body parts.

3. The top topic parents themselves want to learn about is 'bullying, dating DV, sexual violence, and prevention'

The second most desired topic is 'consultation and support services regarding sexual concerns and victimization.' Some parents are unaware of existing support resources.

4. Many parents express the need for sex education to begin at an earlier stage

Alongside calls for earlier implementation, there are concerns that current school-based sex education is insufficient.

Survey Overview

Since 2003, the Doronko-kai Group has annually provided sex education on 'the importance of the body and life' to 5-year-olds across all its facilities, including nurseries and child development support centers. The group believes sex education should not be a one-time event in early childhood but should continue throughout a child’s development. However, implementation in elementary schools and beyond remains inconsistent.

With the 'Child Sexual Violence Prevention Act' set to take effect by the end of December 2026, awareness of child protection is rising. The Doronko-kai Group aims to advocate for the necessity of school-based sex education from the perspective of early childhood education. As a first step, this survey explores the views and opinions of parents raising children in elementary school or above.

Survey Organization: Doronko-kai Group Doronko LABO® (in-house survey)

Target Respondents: Parents raising children in elementary school or above

Survey Period: First collection: February 6–27, 2026 Second collection: March 6–20, 2026

Survey Method: Announced via SNS, official LINE, and internal newsletters to Doronko-kai Group’s SNS followers, alumni families, and staff. Responses collected via an accessible online questionnaire (Questant) on PC and smartphones.

Number of Respondents: 126 (mothers: 92.9%, fathers: 7.1%; aged 20s: 0.8%, 30s: 30.2%, 40s: 61.1%, 50s: 7.9%)

*Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.

1. 96% of parents responded that 'sex education in schools is necessary'

Regarding the 'school type of the oldest child (elementary or above)', elementary school accounted for 67.4%, with grades 1–3 making up 46.8%.

On the question 'Do you think sex education in schools is necessary?', 96.0% of parents answered 'Yes'.

Open-ended responses on 'sex education in schools' included:

- 'I believe home-based education alone is insufficient. Situations like changing clothes during PE are linked to sex education, so school-based education is essential.'

- 'In lower grades, boys and girls change clothes in the same classroom. There have been incidents where girls pulled down boys’ pants or boys looked at girls’ underwear. Even in elementary school, I felt the urgency of sex education.'

- 'Education is necessary to prevent children from becoming perpetrators or victims. Receiving common sex education during compulsory education ensures everyone is on the same page.'

- 'Acquiring accurate knowledge helps protect oneself and others. Also, if it’s part of the school curriculum, children may accept it more easily.'

*Excerpts from open-ended responses (verbatim)

These responses reflect real-life school incidents and the perceived benefits of universal sex education.

Open-ended Analysis: 'Sex Education in Schools'

(*Includes human rights and life-related issues)

Frequent words in responses were categorized into 11 groups. '1. Accurate Information' was the most common, revealing parents’ desire for correct knowledge about sexuality. Negative categories (9–11) included conditional opinions such as 'If teachers provide only superficial knowledge, it’s not necessary.' While some negative views exist, the vast majority of parents support school-based sex education.

2. Nearly 70% of parents want schools to teach 'pregnancy and childbirth' and 'sexual acts and contraception methods'

Among parents who answered 'necessary' to school-based sex education, we asked what topics they wanted taught. 'Pregnancy and childbirth' received 69.0% support. Despite curriculum guidelines stating 'pregnancy processes should not be covered,' 68.3% of parents want instruction on 'sexual acts and contraception methods'—nearly 70%. Other topics also exceeded 50% in selection rates, indicating a broad desire for education beyond puberty and private body parts.

Open-ended responses on 'desired topics in school' included:

- 'All these topics are essential. Children need knowledge delivered in an age-appropriate manner.'

- 'I believe all are necessary. Children may encounter adult content unintentionally. We can’t avoid these topics, so adults must teach them accurately instead of hiding them.'

- 'Physical changes during growth are natural, not shameful or something to joke about. While pregnancy and contraception are important, younger children may not understand, so education should be age-appropriate and progressive.'

- 'Since children at this age might find such topics amusing, delivery methods and timing should be carefully considered.'

*Excerpts from open-ended responses (verbatim)

These reflect opinions such as 'everything should be taught' and 'content and teaching methods should be tailored to age.'

Open-ended Analysis: 'Desired Topics in School'

Analysis of frequent words showed '1. Accurate Information' followed by '5. Knowledge appropriate to age and change' and '9. Comprehensive.' The survey’s multiple-choice options were based on UNESCO’s 'International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education,' which outlines eight key concepts. The guidance emphasizes comprehensive, age-appropriate education, and many parents’ views align closely with it.

UNESCO’s 8 Key Concepts and Corresponding Survey Options

Key Concept

Survey Options

1. Relationships

- Various relationships including family, friends, and romantic relationships

2. Values, Rights, Culture, and Sexuality

- Children’s rights

3. Understanding Gender

- Understanding gender

- LGBTQ+ and sexual diversity