PSE teaching branded ‘patchy’

The teaching of personal and social education (PSE) in Scotland’s schools is inconsistent and inadequate, according to a parliamentary report.

Holyrood’s Education Committee has called on the Scottish Government to review PSE provision after hearing of a “patchy” approach across the country.

An inquiry uncovered evidence that for some young people, particularly those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex (LGBTI), “sex education comes from the internet, 0 James Dornan: ‘Accounts of topics not being covered’ including pornography, due to a lack of adequate provision within school” and the issue of sexual consent was not covered consistently.

The picture of inadequate PSE provision was particu- larly concerning given rising mental health issues among young people, an increase in those experiencing identitybased bullying and the growth of social media use, the committee said.

While MSPS did not back making relationships and sex education mandatory for all schools as in England, the committee said a review should now be a priority for ministers.

Convener James Dornan said: “The committee heard worrying accounts of vital topics such as what constitutes sexual consent and LGBTI issues not being covered. This simply is not good enough.”