For many young people in North Macedonia, the Internet has become the go-to source for sexual education. But with so much unverified and potentially harmful content, how reliable is the information they’re getting?
Sara Saiti was just 12 years old when she first turned to the Internet for information on her body and reproductive health. Growing up in Tetovo, she says she and her friends were never properly taught about these topics in school.
In North Macedonia, sexual education isn’t a standalone subject – it’s supposed to be taught as part of biology classes in both primary and high school. But in reality, Sara says the lessons didn’t cover much. “I remember our teacher telling us, ‘In order to have a reaction, there must be action,’” she says. “And that was it. No real explanation.”
Even worse, Sara recalls how the same teacher would force the girls in the class to cover up their bodies by wearing jackets over their short-sleeved T-shirts.
“The young teacher we had later on was so nervous when trying to explain the menstrual cycle or pregnancy,” Sara says. “It was disappointing. She couldn’t manage the teasing from the boys, and we never really got a proper understanding of the topic.” For boys in the class, asking questions was strictly forbidden. “They were told, ‘You’ll learn this from your future wife.’”
Over time, Sara began to realise that these awkward silences around sexual education weren’t just isolated incidents but part of a much larger problem. “In high school, we didn’t even talk about sex education. By then, it wasn’t about embarrassment – it was just that no one cared anymore. We were all exposed to the Internet, and it seemed like a bigger deal.”
But with that overexposure to the Internet came a dangerous side effect: misinformation. “I was really worried that my friends were getting their information from degrading and often harmful pornographic content, which created all sorts of unrealistic expectations,” Sara explains.
The Hidden Risks
Psychologist Sheruze Osmani Ballazhi tells DW that there’s a dangerous belief among some teachers that if topics like sex education are kept off-limits, children will be “protected.” But in reality, the lack of proper education is putting young people at risk.
“In North Macedonia, we’re seeing the consequences of this: early sexual activity, teenage pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and exposure to abusive relationships,” Osmani-Ballazhi warns.
A recent study by the World Health Organization revealed worrying statistics about sexual activity among 15-year-olds in North Macedonia. It found that 30% of boys, but only 5% of girls, said they were sexually active. For Osmani-Ballazhi, this highlights the deep-seated societal issues around talking openly about sex.
“In our culture, sex education remains a taboo subject,” she explains. “Adults, both parents and teachers, feel uncomfortable discussing it openly with children or students.” Leaving young people to rely on the Internet for information, she says, is far too risky.
“If we want young people to understand their bodies, set healthy boundaries, avoid abusive relationships, and fully grasp the consequences of their actions, we need to provide them with proper, scientifically backed information,” she adds.
Shocking Statistics
The situation is dire. North Macedonia has one of the highest rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the region. In 2023, 159 new cases were recorded, alongside two deaths. Syphilis was the most common infection among young people aged 20-29, with 60 new cases last year.
But the news gets worse. HIV/AIDS cases have risen sharply, with 50 new diagnoses in 2023 – a 22% increase on the previous year.
Teenage pregnancy is another growing concern. North Macedonia has the highest rate of unplanned pregnancies in Europe, with 11% of pregnancies involving minors. This is nearly three times the EU average.
In addition, North Macedonia has seen a disturbing rise in cases of gender-based violence. In 2023, 34 incidents of rape and gender-based violence were reported, while a staggering 1,166 cases of domestic violence were recorded in the first eight months of the year.
Education Reform Slow to Come
Despite the alarming figures, the introduction of sexual education in schools is progressing at a snail’s pace. The Education Development Bureau has confirmed that while reforms are planned, sexual education will not be taught in schools this year.
“We’re still working with teachers to raise awareness about this issue,” said a spokesperson from the Bureau.
However, a pilot program introduced three years ago showed promise. The program, which was implemented in three primary schools, helped students better understand their rights, the importance of healthy relationships, and how to protect their health.
While the introduction of sexual education in schools is not yet mandatory across the European Union, international organisations like the World Health Organization and the United Nations have set clear standards. North Macedonia, however, still lags behind when it comes to taking action.
The need for reform is urgent. If things don’t change soon, young people will continue to rely on the Internet for their education, with all the risks that entails. (DW)
