What parents need to know about the new Ontario sex-ed curriculum

The Ontario government has released the new sexual-education curriculum, which includes details of when and what students will be taught.

The province says the curriculum, for Grades 1 to 8, has been updated following feedback from the public and consultation with experts.

The Ministry of Education says the new 320-page Health and Physical Education Curriculum focuses on various topics including mental health, sexual health and consent.

It also examines the effects and risks of substance use, including cannabis and vaping.

The new curriculum replaces a much-criticized teaching plan brought in after the Progressive Conservatives took power last year.

The government has broken down what students will learn and when. Here’s a brief guide of what to expect and what’s changed:

The new curriculum will go into effect at the start of the 2019 school year.

To view the full Health and Physical Education curriculum for Grades 1 to 8, click here.