Today, the Department for Education published their draft guidance on relationships and sex education for primary and secondary school pupils.
Under the updated guidance, teachers will talk to primary school pupils in an age-appropriate way about the features of healthy friendships, family relationships and other relationships they are likely to encounter. At secondary school, teachers will build on the foundation of Relationships Education in primary and, at the appropriate time, extend teaching to include intimate relationships as well.
At both primary and secondary, pupils will learn about staying safe online – complementing the existing computing curriculum – and how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully. Lessons will also cover how to keep personal information private, and help young people navigate the virtual world, challenge harmful content and balance online and offline worlds.
Responding to the announcement, Denise Hatton, YMCA England & Wales Chief Executive, said:
“YMCA has consistently championed the need for quality relationships and sex education in schools. It is pleasing to see that the Government has listened to experts by ensuring that topics such as consent, staying safe online and sexuality have been incorporated into the new guidance.
“Now more than ever young people are under pressure to look and act a certain way. It is crucial that relationships and sex education is fit to meet the challenges this generation will face and equips young people with the knowledge they need to form healthy, safe and equal relationships.”
More information on the Government’s announcement can be found here.