Overhaul to protect kids

Curriculum will tackle sexual abuse

SCHOOLS will teach kids how to dob in pedophiles, stand up to bullies and say no to sex, in a modernised Australian curriculum to tackle sexual abuse and family violence trauma.

“Refusal skills” and “negotiating consent” for sex will be taught to teens, while younger children will learn about “inappropriate touching” and how to find help.

Contraception, sexual consent, and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and bloodborne viruses through sex or drug use will be taught in physical education classes in Years 9 and 10, when students are as young as 14.

Sex education will also need to target gay, bisexual and intersex children to ensure “teaching is inclusive and relevant to the lived experiences of all students”, the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority states in its new curriculum materials, released for public comment this week.

“This is particularly important when teaching about reproduction and sexual health to ensure that the needs of all students are met, including students who may be same-sex attracted, gender diverse or intersex,” the authority says.

It states that it is “crucial to acknowledge and affirm diversity in relation to sexuality and gender in health and physical education”.

The authority’s teaching timetable shows that sexuality can be taught in lessons from Year 3, when students are as young as seven, although schools will decide on the timing and detailed content of lessons, and sexual health is not mentioned in the curriculum until Year 9.

Students from kindy to Year 10 will learn about “assertive behaviour and standing up for themselves and others”. Young kids in Years 1 and 2 will be taught how to “say no to inappropriate touching”.

The legal requirements for giving and gaining consent for sex and sexting will be taught in high school. Teachers will give students “strategies for dealing with unsafe or uncomfortable situations”, and tell them how to report abuse.

Child Safety advocate Hetty Johnston, who founded Bravehearts, hailed the “awesome” changes for giving children the knowledge to avoid or escape pedophiles.

“It’s time this was taught properly and consciously as a matter of priority,” she said.