Sex education to become compulsory in UK schools

Source: Agencies  |   2008-10-23  |     ONLINE EDITION

SEX education classes will become compulsory for state-educated children in England aged five to 16, alongside new lessons on drugs, healthy lifestyles and finance, the British government announced today.

Primary school children are to be taught about parts of the body, puberty and how to talk about feelings and friendships.

Secondary school pupils will learn about the importance of stable relationships to family life and about how risky sexual behaviour can lead to infection and unwanted pregnancies.

"Modern life is increasingly complex and we have a duty to equip our young people with the knowledge and skills to deal with it," said Schools Minister Jim Knight.

"It's vital that this information doesn't come from playground rumour or the mixed messages from the media about sex.

"We need structured classroom teaching, set within a clear understanding of right and wrong that emphasises the importance of family relationships."

The government said it was making the move after accepting the recommendations of two reviews into sex and drug education, which it also published today.

Earlier this month, Knight told MPs that many young people had told the review into sex education they did not know enough to make safe and responsible choices about relationships and sexual health.

Although teenage pregnancy rates have fallen 13 percent over the past 20 years, Knight said there was still further to go. Britain has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in Western Europe.

The government set itself a target in 1999 to halve the teenage pregnancy rate by 2010.

At present, schools only have to teach pupils about the biology of puberty and reproduction. In primary schools, sex education comes under the science curriculum.

The new rules mean that Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) will become a compulsory part of the curriculum for all primary and secondary pupils.