An education expert has slammed a new program that targets four-year-old children, who show signs of ‘sexism’, and aims to end gender stereotyping in kindergarten.
Around 4,000 early childhood educators in Victoria will be trained to implement Respectful Relationships programs in an effort to stamp out gender stereotyping in preschools.
The Australian reported that a government tender stated that four-year-olds can show signs of sexism and gender discrimination. “As young children learn about gender, they may also begin to enact sexist values, beliefs and attitudes that may contribute to disrespect and gender inequality,” the document stated. “Professional learning will increase the capacity of early childhood educators to understand and implement respectful relationships and gender equality into their program delivery.”
The ‘gender-equality’ program has been developed as part the Labor government’s $21.8m Respectful Relationships plan to tackle family violence.
However, senior research fellow at Australian Catholic University, Kevin Donnelly, told the Herald Sun that preschool kids do not have the capacity to understand complex teachings on gender and sexuality.
“It is far too early… It is quite outrageous and quite offensive to think that young children of that age will be indoctrinated with this very cultural, left gender and sexuality theory.
“It really is destroying the innocence of childhood,” he said.
Yet, Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos told the paper that the training was important. “The early years are an important time to start helping children develop a secure sense of self and healthy, respectful relationships “” this will help prevent family violence in the long-term”, she said.
The new program will reportedly cost the taxpayer $3.4 million.
Sources: Dailymail.co.uk and Honey.nine.com.au
