The Alberta’s government says nearly 80,000 people responded to a recent public survey on school library content, with most supporting efforts to prevent children from accessing sexually explicit material.The survey, conducted from May 26 to June 6, followed the discovery of books with graphic sexual content in libraries across the province. Respondents were asked for input on what age children should access such materials and who should decide what’s appropriate.Results showed 42% of parents believe students should never have access to sexually explicit books in school libraries. Another 22% said high school students (age 15 and up) could access such material, while 18% said middle school was appropriate. Only 4% approved of elementary school access, and 14% said students of all ages should be allowed to read the material.The government says this feedback will guide the creation of provincewide standards for school libraries. The proposed policy will give school boards clear rules for evaluating and selecting age-appropriate materials.Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said the findings underscore the public’s desire for consistent safeguards.“Parents, educators and Albertans in general want action to ensure children don’t have access to age-inappropriate materials in school libraries,” Nicolaides said. “We will use this valuable input to guide the creation of a provincewide standard to ensure the policy reflects the priorities and values of Albertans.”A separate public opinion poll of 1,500 adult Albertans found 51% believe explicit material should not be in any school library, while 94% said it should be banned in elementary schools. Three-quarters said it is important for parents to have a say in what’s available.Examples of books flagged in the review include Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe, Fun Home by Alison Bechdel, Blankets by Craig Thompson, and Flamer by Mike Curato — all found in schools with students younger than 15.Survey results also showed 62% of respondents support a role for parents and guardians in reporting or challenging such material.
