Guardian 23rd October 2008
All children – from the age of four up – are going to have to learn about sex and relationships as part of the curriculum, much to the delight of sexual health charities and others.
Ministers are making personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) classes – which include sex and relationships education (SRE) – a statutory subject in all schools in England – and at all ages.
No longer will sensitive parents be able to insist their children are spared the classes at any stage. Should they be able to?
No, as far as the Sex Education Forum is concerned. It represents 50 organisations including children's and sexual-health charities as well as parents and governors' groups, and says young people, teachers and parents all support the move.
But do you? Should all children learn about the context of sex and relationships rather than just the biological mechanics of how babies are made?
Some fear the worst. Christian Voice, a "prophetic ministry", believes more sex education will simply "encourage fornication".
Of course, five-year-olds won't be taught how to have sex – rather they will learn about healthy relationships, what to call body parts, and that animals have babies. They won't be taught the mechanics until seven.
But are you happy for that to happen? Does raising the issues with young children sexualize them too early?
A headteacher is going to produce guidance on how sex education should be taught. How easy do you – as a teacher or parent - find it to talk to children about sex and relationships?
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