Is sex education in the UK the solution or the problem?

Question

With children of 10 and 11 years being taught the mechanics and knowing the techniques through the question and answer sessions in lessons, is it causing the problem rather than improving it (teenage pregnancies, promiscuity etc). Is the liberal attitude to this subject to blame or should schools be teaching "morals" (eg no sex before marriage)?

Thanks for the responses and clarifications. I agree that the primary responsibility is that of the parents, but the message from the government is that they are in charge. eg illegal to smack children, legal requirement to get permission from school for holiday in term time etc.

The message from my children about the discussions is the worrying nature questions in class. eg "A", "B" jobs, gang bangs etc.

ie. All the mechanics without the morals.

Answer 1

I think it is both the problem and the solution. In school children are taught the mechanics of it all but due to their age we dont go into the contraception, feelings etc as they're seen as too young. In my opinion I think children should be taught things from a younger age rather than waiting until aged 10. I'm not saying tell 5 year olds everything, but there should be a more open dialog about health, our bodies etc with younger children. That way sex wiould be an easier subject to address and the children will ultimately know more.

Its a sad fact that children get to know about sex at a younger and younger age through various sources and its the job of parents and schools to educate children about the possible dangers etc, so that they can make an informed choice. We cant stop young people wanting to have sex/finding out about it but by giving them information and facts they can be healthier and make more sensible informed choices. Rather than just not talking about it 'as children are too young'. If we ignore it the situation is made worse and worse.

Answer 2

I think the manner things are taught is important. I was at my high school 7 years (including A-levels) and we had one pregnancy in all that time (unless some were very secret). Our teachers were excellent and we were taught about the morality and risks of sex as much as the mechanics. We learnt about contraception and about STDs. It was a Church of England school, but the teachers did not tell us it was wrong to have sex before marriage - they just informed us of the consequences.

I myself had sex aged 16 but used protection. I had read all the info on the mechanics of sex when I was around 7 and had pretty much worked out the pain parts before then. It's hardly rocket science!

Parents and teachers should make good sex education a priority. The importance of teaching morality and ethics is underestimated these days and this is a real issue. Without establishing a totalitarian theocracy we will not be able to alter the basic lifestyle and desires of people, so really we should try just to make people better informed and more able to make rational and good choices. Remember also parents are a child's first teachers and children learn best by example.

Answer 3

We all knew the facts of life when we were in year five. Whether you teach it at school or not isn't the problem. The problem is that, we aren't taught about relationships and respect for each other. We were taugtht with everyone snigering and the boys making filthy comments throughout. We weren't even taught seperatly. There should have been discussions about you not having to do it if you don't want to. Even if you didn't know the mechanics you'd still know how to do it. Also the myths behind everything and the history of religon and how sometimes people feel pressured to do things they don;t want to do. They're is some much not being taught. Whether school, book or friends they are going to learn anyway. So it might as well be from people who are informed and know what theya re a talking about.

Answer 4

I feel I must correct you on a common misconception (no pun intended) - the subject is called SRE - Sex and RELATIONSHIP Education; and is generally delivered in Primary Schools (ie from Reception to Y6) in the PSCHE curriculum.
The emphasis is very much on relationships and as such, if you examine QCA guidance, you will see that it most certainly not a 'value free' area.
I believe one reason why SRE is often handled so poorly in primary schools is that this is one area of the curriculum that many teachers feel uncomfortable with and therefore it is often ignored. Though, quite how that is possible I'm really not sure, if the subject co-ordinator is moderatoring planning and assessing the content as they should be.
I feel that Heads and Governors must start taking their responsibilities seriously - this is much too important an area to be left to chance.

Answer 5

Excuse me why should it be just the schools. Don't parents out there teach their children. It is afterall the parents responsibility to bring up their children.

I believe that sex education should be taught from an age where they are able to understand. Not the full blown version, but you know where babies come from etc. and I believe it is down to the parents to do this and not schools.

Perhaps if more parents got involved then there wouldn't be so many unwanted babies/pregnancies.

Answer 6

I don't think it's so much a problem of sex education in the schools as a lack of it at home. Parents are very quick to point the finger at the education sytem when they themselves should be taking a more active roll at home. It's the parents who should take the time to explain the facts and also how to deal with the emotional issues that go with it,and to give kids self worth and self esteem so they have the strength and confidence to say no.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

i think the problem is that while the schools are teaching sex ed. in class... its not being followed up at home.. surely how our children view sex and relationships should come from us AS WELL as the schools, but unfortunelty in this country we find it hard to talk about.. its still almost taboo... but we need to get over it and tell our kids what its all about.. and i think the earlier the better! say about 8-10 years old ..young enough to not be interested in it because of the lack of hormones but also old enough to understand the reasons and safe precautions.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

sex education shouldnt be necessary in schools it should be taught by the parents along with morals, relationships, facts about contraception and stds , keeping yourself safe from abuse etc.. but so many parents are too embarrassed to talk to their kids openly so the education in schools needs to be improved.