DfE launches consultation into sex education in schools
Sexting, online pornography, staying safe online, transgender issues – should these topics be included in new sex and relationships education (SRE) guidelines for schools in England?
The Department for Education is asking parents and young people for their opinions in an eight-week call for views on what should be covered.
The current SRE guidelines have not been updated since the year 2000.
Ministers say this is “unacceptable” and want new guidance for autumn 2019.
The drive to improve and update SRE in schools in England comes as figures collected by BBC Panorama show a rise in the number of sexual assaults by children.
The number of reported sexual offences by under-18s against other under-18s in England and Wales rose by 71% from 4,603 in 2013-14 to 7,866 in 2016-17.
Please take part, urges the government
In March the DfE announced that SRE would be compulsory in all of England’s schools – meaning in academies as well as council-run schools.
But Education Secretary Justine Greening said the current content advice for schools was out-of-date.
Ms Greening said: “It is unacceptable that relationships and sex education guidance has not been updated for almost 20 years, especially given the online risks – such as sexting and cyber-bullying – our children and young people face.
“Young people must have an education that teaches them the importance of healthy and stable relationships.
“This call for evidence is about giving teachers, parents and especially young people a chance to help shape that new approach and I’d urge them to take part.”
Read the full article on the BBC.