Call for dangers of porn and sexting on syllabus

A LARGE majority of Britons think children should be taught about pornography and sexting in schools, according to a survey.

The findings will fuel demands for sex and relationship education to be made compulsory in all schools in the UK.

The poll of 2,000 adults found 75 per cent of Britons want children to be taught about the impact of pornography, while just seven per cent were opposed to the move.

The Opinium survey, commissioned by safeguarding charity Plan International UK, also found 71 per cent want lessons on sexting.

And 86 per cent of those surveyed think sexual consent should be taught while 82 per cent want lessons to cover violence and abuse in relationships.

Tanya Barron, Plan International UK’s chief executive, said: “It’s clear the UK public feels that educating children about issues such as sexual consent, different sexual orientations and the impact of pornography is important.”

She said parents were demanding education reflects “21st century reality”.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Sexual health and parenthood (RSHP) education is an integral part of the health and wellbeing area of the curriculum.

“Through the delivery of RSHP education, all children and young people are encouraged to understand the importance of consent, dignity and respect for themselves and the views of others. It also plays a crucial role in helping young people to identify abuse.”

A new offence of sharing indecent images without consent has also been introduced.