Italy Puts Parents First in Education — And Why Ireland's Govt Should Too

17.06.2026

Italy has taken a decisive step in strengthening the role of parents in their children’s upbringing, with the Senate voting overwhelmingly to require parental consent for any extracurricular sex‑education activities, helping to restore a basic principle: parents, not outside groups or political trends, are the primary educators of their children.

Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara welcomed the measure as a “historic reform” that shields children from ideological pressure and ensures that sensitive topics are handled by qualified professionals. Under the new law, schools must obtain written consent before introducing material related to sexuality, must give families at least a week’s notice, and must disclose any external organisations involved. Preschool and primary pupils will not receive sex‑education programmes at all, reflecting the belief that early childhood should be protected from unnecessary adult themes.

Crucially, the law does not remove education about relationships, biology, or health. Italy will continue to teach respect, empathy, and scientific facts, including STI awareness, within the standard curriculum. What changes is who decides when and how additional material is introduced. For many families, that distinction matters.

This development should prompt reflection here at home. Irish parents have repeatedly expressed concern about activist‑driven content entering classrooms without transparency or consent. If Italy, a major EU nation, can reaffirm parental rights while still ensuring students receive age‑appropriate, factual education, there is no reason Ireland cannot do the same.

A system that requires schools to inform parents, seek consent, and guarantee professional standards is not radical. It is respectful. It recognises that families, not political movements, are best placed to guide children through sensitive issues.

Italy has chosen to put parents back at the centre. Ireland should consider whether it is time to follow suit.