This debate remains unresolved today. It reflects a broader tension within sex education: between the desire for about the reality of childhood sexuality and the need to protect children from sexual objectification .
(English title: Puberty: Sexual Education for Boys and Girls ) is a 1991 Belgian educational documentary. Directed by Ronald Deronge , the film was designed as a candid guide for adolescents entering puberty, though it remains controversial due to its highly explicit nature compared to standard educational materials. Production Overview Original Title: Sexuele voorlichting (Sexual Information) Release Date: January 16, 1991 (Belgium) Country of Origin: Belgium Language: Dutch Production Company: Studio Landstar Films Core Content & Themes
A boy of approximately 11 or 12 examines his penis and scrotum, manually retracting the foreskin. The camera then shows his penis in a flaccid state, followed by an erection (achieved, presumably, through manual stimulation off-camera). Multiple penises of different shapes and sizes are presented to demonstrate normal anatomical variation.
"Sexuele Voorlichting" (1991) is an example of a comprehensive sex education initiative that promoted healthy attitudes towards relationships, sexuality, and reproductive well-being. By providing accurate and accessible information, the film empowered young people to make informed decisions about their lives. As we continue to prioritize sex education, we can learn from initiatives like "Sexuele Voorlichting," recognizing the importance of open, inclusive, and comprehensive approaches to promoting healthy relationships and sexual well-being. Sexuele Voorlichting 1991 Fulll
: The film includes a demonstration of reproductive sex with full penetration by an adult couple to illustrate the process.
The film's reception is sharply divided between those who view it as a brave, honest resource and those who see it as exploitative.
The film reflects the highly liberal media landscape of the Netherlands and Western Europe during the late 20th century. According to historical retrospectives from the NOS Dutch Broadcasting Foundation , the 1990s marked an era where sex and bodily autonomy became deeply normalized across Dutch television and classrooms. Public broadcasting featured frank, unvarnished talk shows, and schools widely integrated direct biological instruction. This debate remains unresolved today
Mark (played by a lanky actor with a quintessential early-90s curtain haircut) spots Sanne at a record store. The dialogue is painfully authentic: "Leuk album... um, Doe Maar?" The romantic storyline here is not about sex; it is about threshold anxiety . The film spends six full minutes on their date—walking through a park, buying stroopwafels, and eventually sitting by a canal.
In 1991, sex education was often a controversial topic, with some people arguing that it was too explicit or would encourage young people to engage in sexual activity. Others argued that sex education was essential for promoting healthy relationships, preventing STIs, and reducing teenage pregnancy.
Viewed today, the 1991 Voorlichting can feel dated in its fashion and its earnest, classroom-like tone. However, its core philosophy about the relationship between sex and romance is more relevant than ever in an age of hookup apps and digital intimacy. The program’s insistence that the most important sexual organ is the brain, and that the most essential sexual skill is communication, prefigured modern concepts of enthusiastic consent and emotional intelligence. Directed by Ronald Deronge , the film was
"Sexuele Voorlichting" was notable for its comprehensive and inclusive approach to sex education. The film covered a range of topics, including:
Sexuele voorlichting belongs to a small subgenre of highly explicit educational documentaries. It can be compared to:
Proponents argue that: