The journey from the 1991 film Puberty: Sexual Education for Boys and Girls to the modern EVRAS and consent campaigns represents a fascinating evolution in Belgian society. The original film was a product of its time—a brave and progressive step that aimed to replace myth and discomfort with factual, loving, and open communication about puberty and sex. Its focus on love, its use of young narrators, and its positive framing of the body were pioneering.
In 1991, Belgium was one of the first countries in Europe to integrate comprehensive sexual education into its school curriculum. The program aimed to provide young people with accurate and age-appropriate information about puberty, sexuality, and relationships. The goal was to promote healthy attitudes, behaviors, and self-esteem among adolescents. The journey from the 1991 film Puberty: Sexual
Navigation the Shift: Relationships and Romance in Puberty Puberty is often discussed as a series of physical "upgrades"—growth spurts, voice changes, and acne. However, the most complex shift happens internally. As hormones like estrogen and testosterone rise, they don’t just change how you look; they rewire how you feel about others. This stage marks the transition from childhood friendships to the beginning of romantic interests and the development of interpersonal boundaries. The Biological Spark In 1991, Belgium was one of the first
For a generation of young people in the late 20th century, the facts of life were often shrouded in mystery, whispered in school hallways, or derived from poorly photocopied diagrams in biology textbooks. But in 1991, a unique and influential educational film emerged from Belgium that sought to change all that. The Dutch-language short film, "Sexuele voorlichting" —released in English under the title Puberty: Sexual Education for Boys and Girls —was a candid and surprisingly progressive piece of educational media for its era. Directed by Ronald Deronge and written by André Singelijn, the film was created specifically for young people on the verge of adolescence, aiming to demystify the complex and often anxiety-inducing process of growing up. Navigation the Shift: Relationships and Romance in Puberty
Romance often appears as "crushes" or infatuations with little to no actual contact. Socializing typically happens in mixed-gender groups rather than one-on-one dating. Middle to Late Adolescence:
Puberty isn't just physical; it’s a "roller coaster" of internal changes that influence how we relate to others. Crushes and Infatuation:
Gone are the days of strictly segregated classes. The updated approach emphasizes that puberty and sexuality are shared human experiences.