Reactions to Gewoon. Bloot. varied considerably. After the first episode was broadcast, the response was generally positive. People appreciate the programme’s honest and open character and find it valuable to see from the children’s perspective what it does to them and what questions it raises.
Misunderstanding
There were also negative reactions, particularly before the first broadcast. The programme would unnecessarily confront children with sexual matters that they were not yet concerned with. However, that is a misunderstanding. Children are indeed concerned with their bodies and sexuality. Not in the same way as adults, but in their own way and in a manner appropriate to their age and the stage of physical and sexual development they are in.
One explanation for the controversy among adults surrounding the programme is the fact that many adults automatically associate nudity with sex. The naked body becomes sexualised. Because when nudity is not simply seen as nudity but as sex, anything that tends towards nudity can be interpreted as a sexual invitation.
But nudity can also simply be about nudity, without making the connection with sex. That is also what happens in the series. Skin, hair, buttocks, breasts and other body parts; their characteristics, differences and similarities are discussed.
Attention to diversity and self-image
You might think: But couldn’t you simply look in a biology textbook? It also contains images of the naked body, doesn’t it? That is true, but books often overlook two aspects that are particularly important when dealing with a subject like this: the aspect of diversity and the social-emotional aspect.
And in my opinion, that is the strength of Gewoon. Bloot. It specifically focuses on the diversity of people’s bodies, as well as on the people inside those naked bodies. It is about how they feel about and what they think of their own unique bodies. What they like about them and what they are or have been insecure about. In this way, the programme provides an important counterbalance to all the ‘perfect’ images children see on social media and in advertisements, and therefore also in that biology textbook. And that counterbalance is incredibly important.
Between the ages of 9 and 12, children begin to undergo physical changes and become aware of other people’s opinions. They start comparing themselves with others. As a result, they can become insecure and dissatisfied with their bodies at an early age. They also become more aware of social values and norms. Seeing and learning that everyone’s body looks different is important for children’s self-image. And teaching them that every body has a right to exist and that you do not exclude others because they look different is important for social safety.
An introduction to ‘consent’
In addition, the series also explores how to deal with your own body and that of another person. “You should never show your naked body to others without their consent. And you never have to show your naked body to someone else if you do not want to, not even online,” the presenter emphasises at the beginning of each episode. In this way, he introduces children to the importance of mutual consent, also known as consent. And teaching children what consent means is important for social safety.
In my opinion, all of this makes the series highly valuable. Not only for watching at home on the sofa, but also for use at school. The programme can be watched and discussed in the classroom. This teaches children that there is a diversity of bodies and that their own body is okay too. They also learn how to deal consciously and respectfully with their own body and that of another person.
That is why I would like to offer this advice: Watch the series. Think about it. Take it with you. Make it safe to talk about and talk about it. In your team. With your colleagues. In the classroom. With your students.
‘Gewoon. Bloot.’ consists of eight episodes and was broadcast from 21 March 2021 on NPO Zapp. The programme can be watched again via NPO Start.
Want to read more? Talking to students about Gewoon. Bloot. | Seksuele vorming
Teaching about the body and nudity? Free lessons inspired by this programme are available via https://www.kriebelsinjebuik.nl
Want to continue working on sexual integrity in the classroom? These pedagogical guides can help you further.