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17/06/2010
Call For Sex And Booze Lessons
Primary school pupils should be given lessons on sex, relationships and alcohol, a health watchdog said.
In draft guidance issued today by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), aims to ensure children and young people with particular needs, such as those with physical, learning or communication difficulties, receive good quality sex, relationships and alcohol education, consistent with the education provided in schools and colleges.
Research shows 40% of young people rated their sex and relationships education in school as poor or very poor and other studies demonstrate that effective education on these topics can have a positive impact on young people's health and wellbeing.
It is mainly aimed at, school and college governors, school heads and teachers, college principals, lecturers and tutors, commissioners and managers in children's trusts and children's services, local authorities and primary care trusts.
It is also for all those who have a direct or indirect role in, and responsibility for, school, college and community-based PSHE education focusing on sex and relationships and alcohol.
Gillian Leng, NICE Deputy Chief Executive, said: "We know a planned PSHE education programme which progresses throughout a child’s time in education helps them understand the importance of valuing and having respect for others.
"It can also give them the ability to make sense of the world around them and make responsible decisions.
"Starting PSHE education early can help improve a child's ability to develop and sustain friendships, and understand the importance of valuing and having respect for others, building the foundation for later teaching about important subjects such as alcohol and sexual relationships.
"We also know education about sex and relationships is more effective if it is introduced before young people first have sex," she said.
(CD/BMcC)
In draft guidance issued today by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), aims to ensure children and young people with particular needs, such as those with physical, learning or communication difficulties, receive good quality sex, relationships and alcohol education, consistent with the education provided in schools and colleges.
Research shows 40% of young people rated their sex and relationships education in school as poor or very poor and other studies demonstrate that effective education on these topics can have a positive impact on young people's health and wellbeing.
It is mainly aimed at, school and college governors, school heads and teachers, college principals, lecturers and tutors, commissioners and managers in children's trusts and children's services, local authorities and primary care trusts.
It is also for all those who have a direct or indirect role in, and responsibility for, school, college and community-based PSHE education focusing on sex and relationships and alcohol.
Gillian Leng, NICE Deputy Chief Executive, said: "We know a planned PSHE education programme which progresses throughout a child’s time in education helps them understand the importance of valuing and having respect for others.
"It can also give them the ability to make sense of the world around them and make responsible decisions.
"Starting PSHE education early can help improve a child's ability to develop and sustain friendships, and understand the importance of valuing and having respect for others, building the foundation for later teaching about important subjects such as alcohol and sexual relationships.
"We also know education about sex and relationships is more effective if it is introduced before young people first have sex," she said.
(CD/BMcC)
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