In England, sex education forms a vital part of the relationships, sex, and health education (RSHE) curriculum, sparking ongoing debates among parents and educators. In December 2022, a legal challenge by parents opposing the teaching of relationships and sex education (RSE) in schools was dismissed by the courts. This controversy continued into 2023, as protesters outside a school in Manchester accused the curriculum of sexualizing children and demanded the withdrawal of LGBT materials. Meanwhile, draft guidance from the UK government in May suggested that schools in England should abstain from teaching about gender identity, adding another layer to the complex dialogue surrounding sex education.
In contrast, Wales has adopted a more inclusive approach, making relationships and sexuality education (RSE) mandatory for all learners aged three to 16. Scotland delegates the responsibility of delivering relationships, sexual health, and parenthood (RSHP) education to local authorities, allowing for a tailored approach to suit diverse communities. In 2023, the Scottish government initiated a consultation to gather opinions on draft statutory guidance for RSHP education delivery in schools. The results of this consultation are eagerly anticipated, with a report on the outcomes expected shortly.
Sex education remains compulsory in all secondary schools across England. Kerry Rolstenholme, a relationship, health, and sex educator, emphasized the importance of parents being prepared to handle challenging questions from their children. She advocates for a child-led approach to sex education, suggesting that it is crucial to have these conversations early and remain open to inquiries.
"I don't go into a classroom unprepared, so give yourself some time to prepare and research what you want to say," Kerry advised.
Milly Evans, a sex educator and author who grew up in an environment fostering open discourse on sex due to her parents' business, echoes this sentiment. Evans suggests that maintaining an open dialogue at home is crucial and supportive of what is taught in schools.
Rolstenholme shared her personal experience when her eight-year-old child asked about pregnancy while waiting at a bus stop. She highlights the importance of providing age-appropriate answers without overwhelming children with unnecessary details.
"You can say 'oh, that's a really lovely question, let me think about it and I'll come back to you tomorrow,'" Rolstenholme recommended.
She elaborated on how she approached the situation with her daughter, offering just enough information to satisfy curiosity without delving into more complex aspects of conception.
"I think I remember telling her about different parts of the body, that boys have testicles and they have sperm in them and the daddy's sperm goes and meets with the mummy's egg and that's how a baby grows," Rolstenholme recalled.
Evans stresses that these discussions should be ongoing rather than one-time events. They should encompass various aspects of bodily autonomy, communication, and understanding familial relationships.
"It's hundreds of little conversations starting from when kids are toddlers about bodily autonomy, communication, how their body works, friendships, families – and it kind of builds up over time," Rolstenholme stated.
The debate around sex education in schools continues to stir emotions across the UK. While some advocate for a more conservative approach by limiting topics like gender identity, others argue for an inclusive curriculum that reflects modern societal dynamics. The Scottish government's pending report on RSHP education may provide new insights that could influence future policies.
