What is the Spring Tingles Week?

Spring Tingles Week (Week van de Lentekriebels) is an annual event that takes place in March in Flanders. It is organized by Sensoa to educate young people about relationships, sexuality, and personal well-being. The event provides schools with resources to engage students in discussions around healthy relationships, self-esteem, consent, and respect.

History and Origin

Spring Tingles Week was created to address the need for structured education on sexual health and relationship dynamics for young people. The initiative aims to support schools by offering materials to teach students about boundaries, communication, and respect. The event fosters a safe environment where young people can engage with these essential topics.

Who Participates in Spring Tingles Week?

• Schools: Schools participate by incorporating lessons and activities about sexuality, relationships, and respect into their curriculum.
• Teachers: Educators use the provided resources and materials to facilitate discussions and activities that help students learn about these important topics.
• Students: Students engage in interactive workshops, group discussions, and other educational activities designed to foster understanding and respect for personal boundaries.
• Parents and Communities: Parents and local organizations are encouraged to support the week by reinforcing the messages of the event at home and within the community.
• Local Governments and Health Organizations: Local government bodies and health organizations may participate by supporting and promoting the event, ensuring it reaches a wider audience and that resources are available to schools and communities.

Themes and Slogans

Each year, Spring Tingles Week adopts a theme to guide the educational focus of the event. Past themes have focused on topics like “Respect in Relationships” and “Healthy Sexuality for Everyone”. These themes aim to address key issues surrounding relationships, consent, and communication. The event’s slogan often encourages open dialogue and respect for diversity in relationships.

Colors, Symbols, and Patterns

Colors

• Purple: Represents respect, dignity, and self-awareness, which are foundational to teaching about relationships and sexuality.
• Green: Symbolizes growth and education, reflecting the learning process during the event.
• Yellow: Denotes positivity, joy, and empowerment, signifying the supportive environment of the event.

Symbols

• Heart: Represents love, respect, and care in relationships.
• Handshake: Symbolizes consent and mutual respect, essential elements of any healthy relationship.
• Speech Bubbles: Represent the importance of communication in relationships and understanding sexuality.

Patterns

• Flowing Lines: Mimic the continuous learning and growth in understanding relationships and sexuality.
• Geometric Shapes: Symbolize the structured nature of the educational approach, offering students a clear framework for understanding these topics.
• Spirals: Reflect the infinite nature of learning about relationships and sexuality, symbolizing ongoing personal development.

How to Participate in Spring Tingles Week

• For Schools: Schools can sign up through the official website to receive materials, guidance, and resources to integrate into their educational programs during the week.
• For Teachers: Teachers can engage students through interactive activities, workshops, and discussions provided by Sensoa.
• For Students: Students actively participate in activities, ask questions, and engage in discussions about healthy relationships and sexuality.
• For Parents and Communities: Parents are encouraged to discuss these topics with their children and reinforce the lessons learned during the week.
• For Health Professionals and Local Authorities: Local health professionals and authorities can support the event by promoting it within their networks and helping schools access necessary resources.

Most Used Hashtags

• #Lentekriebels
• #SeksueleGezondheid
• #RelatiesEnSeksualiteit
• #VooruitMetDeKlas
• #SeksueleOpvoeding

Why is Spring Tingles Week Important?

Spring Tingles Week is crucial in helping young people navigate the complexities of relationships and sexuality in a safe and supportive environment. It provides a structured and supportive platform for young people to learn about respect, consent, and communication. By participating, schools, students, and parents help create a safer, more inclusive environment where these critical topics can be discussed without stigma or shame. It contributes to fostering healthy, respectful relationships that are based on mutual understanding and care.