Wisconsin Senate Bill SB437

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/20/23
• Refer: 9/20/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Including age-appropriate child sexual abuse prevention instruction in a human growth and development instructional program.

Impact

If enacted, SB437 will potentially transform the landscape of educational programs concerning personal safety and awareness. Schools will be required to provide comprehensive information that helps students understand various aspects of sexual abuse, including recognizing safe and unsafe touches, setting personal boundaries, and knowing how to communicate with trustworthy adults. This curriculum will be structured to be age-appropriate, ensuring that the material is relevant and understandable for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Summary

Senate Bill 437 focuses on enhancing child safety by requiring school boards in Wisconsin to include age-appropriate instruction on child sexual abuse prevention within their human growth and development programs. Currently, these programs are optional, allowing schools to decide whether or not to offer them. This bill seeks to amend existing statutes to establish mandatory content for these instructional programs, thereby aiming to empower children with knowledge about sexual abuse and personal boundaries.

Contention

There may be varying opinions on the implications of SB437. Proponents argue that early education on these topics is vital for preventing abuse and fostering an environment of safety and awareness among children. Critics, however, might raise concerns regarding the appropriateness of certain topics for younger students or the pressures this could place on school systems already managing complex educational demands. Discussions around parental involvement and the provision of clear information related to child sexual abuse are also likely to arise as potential points of contention.