"COMPULSORY SEX EDUCATION FOR KIDS” CALL

04-07-2008

Birmingham-based sex clinic Brook is calling for sex education to be made compulsory primary pupils – and wants children in every secondary school to have access to contraception without their parents’ knowledge.

The organisation claims there is “overwhelming support” for the plan from parents, children and young people.

Figures published last month revealed that 21,000 teenagers had terminations in the West Midlands last year, one of the highest rates in the country – with the rate for under-18’s increasing by 5%.

Brook in Birmingham’s Chief Executive Penny Barber said: “The current patchy provision of sex and relationship education (SRE) prevents another generation from forming healthy relationships and protecting their sexual health.

"Teenage pregnancy rates will only continue to fall if we get high quality sex and relationships education in every primary and secondary school.

"SRE for very young children includes identifying and sharing feelings, making friends, being aware their feelings and actions impacts on others, using simple rules with strangers and for resisting pressure when uncomfortable or at risk, knowing the names of the main parts of the body including agreed names for sexual parts, knowing that animals and humans grow and reproduce.

"Later in primary, children need to be prepared for puberty and adolescence and of course continue their emotional and social development.

"It's no use giving young people detailed contraception knowledge in their later teens if they don't have the skills to resist pressure to have unwanted sex, to know when they are ready to become sexually active and to insist on protecting themselves when that time comes."

There are those who argue, of course, that making children sexually aware at an early age encourages greater promiscuity; and there are also issues around the prescription of contraception without their parents knowledge.

Brook wants to guage public opinion by hosting an online poll, asking - Do you agree that Government must ensure that all children and young people get education about puberty, relationships and sex at primary and secondary school?

To register your vote see www.brook.org.uk

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