Washoe County School District Approves New Puberty Videos for Fourth Graders

NEVADA – The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to approve proposed fourth-grade Sexuality, Health, and Responsibility Education (SHARE) videos to replace a video previously approved.

The new videos, titled “The Physical Changes That Happen to Most Girls and Boys” and “The Physical Changes That Happen to Everyone,” will replace the previously approved video titled “Every Body Curious: Puberty.” The new videos discuss the physical changes that all people go through during puberty, such as growth spurts, an increase in body hair, stretch marks, genital growth, an increase in sweat production, and acne. They do not discuss sex or sexual reproduction, aside from the purpose of the changes (e.g., sperm and eggs are produced for the function of making babies).

Washoe County School District Trustee Colleen Westlake was the only trustee to vote against the videos. Though she complimented the committee for their selection of videos and the work they’ve put into the curriculum, she said she would still be voting no.

“I’d like to retain their innocence for a little longer and not have exposure to all of this,” Westlake said.

Trustee Jeff Church said he reached out to his constituents, especially those who identify as being conservative, regarding the proposed curriculum and said he received no negative feedback, leading him to vote yes.

S.H.A.R.E. is an opt-in curriculum, meaning parents must give permission for their children to take part. To learn more about the S.H.A.R.E. curriculum, click here.

Additional Points:

The new videos were selected by a committee of parents, teachers, and health professionals.
The videos are age-appropriate and aligned with Nevada state standards.
Parents can opt their children out of the S.H.A.R.E. curriculum.

Key Takeaways: