Discussing sensitive topics with students
Goals
- Understanding what constitutes a sensitive topic in an educational environment that aims to be inclusive
- Supporting teaching staff in preparing to address or teach sensitive topics with their students
Brief description of the issue
In recent years, Quebec has seen significant social polarisation in secondary schools (Miconi, 2023), a resurgence of misogynistic and masculinist discourse, particularly online (Clermont-Dion, 2025; Radio-Canada, 2023), and a rise in young people’s intolerance towards LGBTQ+ individuals (GRIS-Montréal, 2025). This makes teaching sensitive subjects more difficult for staff, as students’ reactions can be intense.
The Research and Action on Social Polarisation (RAPS) team has developed an educational guide to equip teaching staff who need or wish to address sensitive topics with pupils without creating further polarisation or causing pupils to shut down completely for fear that their stance will be judged negatively by adults or their peers. The guide also addresses the reactions that certain topics may elicit from school staff members.