Sex Education Forum Welcomes Government's New Commitment To Sex And Relationships Education, Now Let's See Real Action, UK

Main Category: Sexual Health / STDs
Article Date: 24 Oct 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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The Sex Education Forum (SEF) today welcomes the Government's proposal to make Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education, which includes sex and relationships education (SRE), a statutory subject in all schools across the country. This announcement, made on the day of the SEF's 21st Birthday Conference, is in response to recommendations made by an expert group, including representatives from the SEF, who called for statutory PSHE. The move is also supported by many young people, teachers and parents, who repeatedly call for help to talk about this subject.

For many years, young people in this country have been let down by their sex and relationships education, with a recent SEF survey* showing that over one third thought their SRE was either bad or very bad.

Jane Lees, Chair of the Sex Education Forum, said: 'We must now look at how we can help teachers improve the teaching of SRE and ensure that they have the appropriate training to handle this critical subject. We know that if teachers lack confidence or competence pupils get a poor deal.'

Anna Martinez, Coordinator of the Sex Education Forum, said: 'In the past, we have let young people down with the poor provision of sex and relationship education and they've gone into the world ill-equipped to make responsible choices about their lives. Although we are still a long way from providing them with the information and skills they need to make healthy and safe choices, today's news is a step in the right direction towards ensuring all children and young people get the best possible SRE, which is their right. We very much look forward to working with Government on the next steps. '

* Statistical information taken from Young People's SRE Survey 2008 by the Sex Education Forum (unpublished)

The Sex Education Forum, based at the National Children's Bureau (NCB), is the national authority on sex and relationships education (SRE). It believes that good quality SRE is an entitlement for all children and young people and is working with its 50 member organisations - including religious, children's, parents and governor, health and education organisations- to achieve this. For more information visit http://www.ncb.org.uk/sef

NCB's mission is to advance the well being of all children and young people across every aspect of their lives. As a membership and infrastructure support agency for the children's sector in England and Northern Ireland, NCB provides essential information on policy, research and best practice for our members and the members of our wide range of partnership bodies which operate under our charitable status and are based in our London Headquarters. For further information visit www.ncb.org.uk.

Source
Sarah Thorne Clare Quarrell
National Children's Bureau