by Vanessa Meyer, KNOWBODY UG, Germany. When we started developing KNOWBODY – an app for comprehensive sex education (CSE) in schools, the reactions from the “grown-ups” we pitched the idea to varied…
by Vanessa Meyer, KNOWBODY UG, Germany.
When we started developing KNOWBODY – an app for comprehensive sex education (CSE) in schools, the reactions from the “grown-ups” we pitched the idea to varied: some would take us down memory lane to their own sex education in school, ranging from non-existent to slightly uncomfortable and funny to outright traumatising, either way recognising the dire need for an update on what and how bodies, sexuality and relationships are discussed in school. Others would look at us, slightly puzzled and with a knowing smirk, stating that they are, of course, well educated on what’s going on “down there”.
However, as studies or even a simple follow-up question will tell you, most of us, including ourselves when we started this journey, would not even be comfortable naming the body parts that are actually “down there”, let alone explaining the difference between a vulva and a vagina, or the actual location and size of the clitoris. This holds true for today’s students and teachers as well, which is why we wanted to develop a tool (3D model) that helps teachers and students alike to facilitate meaningful discussions about all things ‘sex-ed’ in a modern and inclusive way.
The app takes a calm yet curious approach to the topics of CSE and can create a safer space for students to learn in a group setting. KNOWBODY is an app specifically designed for schools, adhering to their curricula, and is grounded in scientific research, as well as students’ and teachers’ feedback from the first days of development. It is unique in the field of CSE and provides a new pathway that bridges doubts and curiosity about the topic for all stakeholders.
The learning units each last 45 to 90 minutes and consist of tasks that utilise different media formats and pedagogical methods, including voice messages, 3D animations, games, and videos. They are designed to navigate a class through sensitive topics, often using the think-pair-share method, enhanced by teachers in a moderating role, facilitating group discussions. In our app-accompanying handbook, we encourage teachers to critically evaluate and (self-)reflect on their own values and experiences in relation to the topics, as well as the effective power that societal, religious and parental values have on their students. We want to offer a safer space for young people to be creative and curious in their approach to the topics of sexuality. By giving them a place to retreat to with the app and plenty of reference examples, they can participate in discussions in a self-determined way without having to share private information.
All reference points in the app are designed to be as diverse and inclusive as possible, so that entire lifestyles and perspectives are no longer excluded from the discussion. Multiple disciplines were therefore involved in the creation of the learning units, including the perspectives of educators, biologists, gender studies, queer studies, intercultural communications, psychology, medicine, social studies, media studies, and political science. All of these perspectives are necessary to build a truly comprehensive curriculum that covers the topics most relevant to the lived experiences of today’s youth.
For the wellbeing of (young) people, there is one piece of learning that the app is most eager to underscore: what really matters in all things regarding sex, relationships and bodies, is “up there” rather than “down there” – meaning your ability to communicate your needs and boundaries, to being able to empathise with others who might feel differently about their body, gender, or sexuality than you do, and to critically reflect on what’s being presented to you in (social) media. The app meets young people in a space they use every day to relate, socialise, and communicate with others, and offers them the skills they need to really KNOW their BODY and make informed and self-determined decisions.
Written by Vanessa Meyer, one of the three co-founders of the KNOWBODY-App. She is responsible for the app’s design and content, as well as customer service and support. She is an advocate for comprehensive sexuality education in her home country, Germany, as well as in European and international networks.
Editor’s note: KNOWBODY was one of the popular finalists in this year’s MEDEA Awards, and represented by Vanessa at the MEDEA Awards event held in Leuven on 18 June 2025.
Vanessa Meyer, Co-Founder, KNOWBODY UG, Germany