UK has new guidelines for sex, health education

The British government’s new guidelines for sex and health education across the United Kingdom come amid a backlash from parent groups who do not want it to be a mandatory part of the curriculum.

Relationships, online safety and mental health are all set to be included as part of the new syllabus in schools across the nation.

Parliament was set to debate a petition which demands parents retain the right to withdraw their child from the classes.

In the petition, more than 100,000 people affirmed parents’ “fundamental right” to decide when their children are taught about such sensitive topics. Attendance is set to become compulsory at secondary schools from September 2020.

The Department for Education guidelines create three new subjects: relationships education to be taught beginning in primary school; relationships and sex education to be taught at secondary school, and health education to be taught at all levels.

In what The Guardian describes as a “long-awaited package” of reforms, students are to learn about the importance of getting enough sleep, the dangers of sexting and how to spot anxiety in their friends.

Children as young as four will be taught about relationships, staying safe online and the link between physical and mental health.

“Almost twenty years on from the last time guidance on sex education was updated, there is a lot to catch up on,” said the education secretary, Damian Hinds.

“Although sex education is only mandatory to teach at secondary, it must be grounded in a firm understanding and valuing of positive relationships, and respect for others, from primary age.”

“In turn, positive relationships are connected with good mental health, which itself is linked with physical well-being. So it is appropriate to make health education universal alongside relationships and sex education.”