Parents in court fight to be told of child sex

THE Scottish Government is back in court today over plans to keep parents in the dark if their child has underage sex.

Under guidelines sent to schools, teachers would instead confide in government snoopers – or socalled ‘named persons’.

The state guardian scheme was passed by MSPs earlier this year and has been challenged by campaigners at Judicial Review.

The Scottish Government told the review last month the scheme would not be implemented until 2016 – but then sent out guidance last week on how it will work.

Colin Hart, spokesman for the No to Named Persons campaign group, said: ‘They are pleading to the court that the scheme is not in operation whilst at the same time issuing guidance to schools which assumes the exercise of the named person’s powers.’

Under the Scottish Government’s new guidance, teachers must tell a child’s named person if they receive information ‘which affects or is likely to affect the wellbeing of a child or young person’. Teachers are particularly urged ‘to share confidential information’ about underage sexual activity, but there is no mention of telling parents.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘The legislation, including the named person service, was supported by a large majority of those who responded to the public consultation, backed by a wide range of children’s charities and professionals, and endorsed by the parliament. As the legislation is currently the subject of a challenge in court, it would not be appropriate to comment further.’