Clearing the way for compulsory sex and relationships education

Following Sir Alasdair Macdonald’s announcement that sex and relationships education (SRE) is expected to become a compulsory part of the national curriculum, leading sexual health agency Marie Stopes International (www.mariestopes.org.uk) makes the following statement:

“Marie Stopes International is delighted that SRE is expected to become a compulsory part of the national curriculum.

“To date, SRE has been provided patchily across the UK, and it has been a post-code lottery as to whether children received effective SRE or not. However, the publication of a clear SRE framework and the standardisation of SRE across schools will ensure that all children receive their entitlement to good and accurate education about relationships and sex.

“Today’s crucial advance in the provision of age-appropriate sex education may lead to greater knowledge about contraception and more effective contraception use, thereby assisting in the UK’s battle against soaring teenage conception rates and sexually transmitted infections.

“We cannot escape from the fact that children are bombarded with often sensationalist sexual imagery via the internet, television and even from their friends in the playground. As adults, our role is to equip young people with the facts, knowledge and resources to be able to engage in sexual relationships responsibly.

“Just as we teach children how to cross the road safely as standard, we should teach children from a young age about caring for one another and about the physical differences between boys and girls. Then, at an appropriate age, we should teach teenagers about physical relationships including how to protect themselves against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections when discovering sex.

“However, it is important to note that compulsory SRE should not exempt parents from talking to their children about sex. Parents should try to promote an open attitude towards sex-related conversations, to ensure their children approach them for advice if needed.

“Politicians and health and social services also have a role to play, especially following the wholesale closure of family planning centres across the UK in recent decades. The provision of accessible contraceptive advice, supplies and sexual health services specifically tailored to young people needs to be facilitated.

“If we look to other countries where age-appropriate SRE is already provided in schools as standard, the evidence is clear that real reductions in teenage pregnancy rates and sexually transmitted infections can be achieved.”

Categories: United Kingdom; Europe; Advocacy & campaigning; Contraception

27/04/2009

Clearing the way for compulsory sex and relationships education

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