9th March 2017

Sex and Relationships Education

The Department for Education (DfE) has published a policy statement on relationships education in primary schools; relationships and sex education (RSE); and personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE). This explains an amendment to the Children and Social Work Bill which places a duty on the Secretary of State to make relationships education, RSE and PSHE statutory. Draft regulations and guidance for consultation are planned for the autumn of 2017.

In the meantime Plan International UK has published the results of a survey on public opinion of the inclusion of sexual consent, sexting and the impact of pornography as part of sex and relationships education (SRE) in schools in the UK. Findings from the survey of 2,007 adults include: 86% supported the inclusion of education on sexual consent; 82% supported inclusion of education about violence and abuse in relationships; 75% supported the inclusion of education about the impact of pornography; and 71% were in favour of education about ‘sexting’.

For more information please click here.