In September 2023, social media users circulated photographs of illustrations from a certain book that depicted naked couples kissing. It was alleged that the publication was made mandatory for study in preschool institutions in Estonia. Eesti Paevaleht and "Verified" found out whether such publications are correct.
The viral photograph shows a book spread with inscriptions in Estonian and drawings depicting people kissing. Two of the three couples in the pictures are naked, including their genitals. “New teaching aids for kindergartens in Estonia,” - asserts The Telegram channel “Antifascists of the Baltics” (285,000 views at the time of writing this analysis) published this photo in a post posted on September 24. Users also shared the photo with similar comments. Facebook.
The book shown in the photo is real, it is a work by the Norwegian artist and children's writer Anna Fiske entitled “How to Have a Baby” (in the Estonian translation she came out in August of this year). From the description on the website of the Tallinn bookstore Rahva Ramaat should, that in this book the author “answers many questions that children have about babies: how does a baby get into the mother’s belly, who can have children and how do they actually come about?” The same store's website displays individual pages of the book, including a fragment of the viral image.
Claims that this publication will be included in the preschool education curriculum in Estonia appeared on social networks no later than September 21. “Starting the new year, these books will be used in kindergartens,” — wrote one Facebook user that day attached to his post a photo of a nude spread that later became viral.
Journalists from Eesti Päevaleht contacted the author of this publication and asked him where the photo was taken. “I don’t know where the picture was taken. But it was made by a kindergarten worker. I don't know her personally. There is no need to ask which employee and from which kindergarten, I will not specify so as not to bother the person,” — answered the Internet user.
The fact checkers also turned to Maila Rajamets, head of the preschool education department of the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, for comment. She explained that Fiske's book in particular and sexuality education in general are not included in the state curriculum in local kindergartens.
“However, the curriculum provides for the development of children's general skills, which preschools should support. To ensure that children are able to recognize inappropriate sexual behavior, it is the responsibility of both parents and all educational staff to address age-appropriate health issues. Nannies and kindergarten teachers must be able to proactively identify problems related to a child's safety and sexual behavior and have the courage to report them. Children need to develop awareness and willingness to protect themselves from potential sexual abuse." — Rayamets reported.
Estonian fact checkers also contacted three kindergartens in Tallinn to find out whether they use the work of the Norwegian writer in their work. Our colleagues were told that teachers in these preschool institutions do not have such a book and that no one “from above” says which books they should use in their teaching activities.
Probably, the spread of the photo with an unfounded comment about the introduction of the book “How to Have a Baby” into the curriculum of Estonian kindergartens began with an incorrect interpretation of the comment that accompanies the publication on the website of the Rahva Ramaat bookstore. “An indispensable guide for conducting sex education at home, in kindergarten and school,” — teacher Rita Holm praises the book (this quote lead some in their posts Estonian-speaking Facebook users). In a comment to Eesti Päevaleht, she stated that she was only sharing her opinion. “It was just a proposal. When a new detergent is advertised, it is often said that it is an essential detergent that should be in every home. This does not mean that everyone is obliged to buy this product or that its use will be in any way mandatory. [The book] is irreplaceable in the sense that it tells where children come from, correctly, in detail and in a way that a child can understand. Nowadays we don't say that babies are delivered by a stork or that they are found in cabbage. Children can ask this question at any time, and parents very often do not know how to answer it and are lost. But it’s very easy to explain these things to a child with the help of a book,” — Holm explained.
Thus, the viral photo shows a spread of Anna Fiske’s book “How to Have a Baby,” which appeared on the shelves of Estonian stores a few weeks earlier. This publication is not included in the curriculum of kindergartens in Estonia, which generally does not include sexuality education. The book by the Norwegian artist is available in stores; employees of educational institutions (like any other people, including parents) can purchase it themselves and, if desired, use it in communication with children.
Cover photo: social networks
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