Sex and relationship education
How this topic helps your child's learning
Sex and relationship education (SRE) is an important part not only of the school curriculum but of every individual's development into adulthood.
Boots Learning Store contains dedicated sections on sex education topics for students aged 11 to 14 and 14 to 16. Each section contains appropriate information and activities related to the key requirements for science as outlined in the 1996 Education Act for England and Wales and the Scottish Office guidelines on Sex Education.
The topics covered are:
11 to 14 - reproduction, puberty and menstruation.
14 to 16 - reproduction, puberty, menstruation, contraception and sexually transmitted disease.
The basics
Our children learn about sex and relationships from the very youngest age, even if we don't talk with them. Some of the things they learn are incorrect, confusing and frightening. In a world where sex is used to sell things from food to fast cars, and celebrities' lives become everyone's business, we should talk to our children to help them make sense of it all.
As well as this, in the UK we have the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in Western Europe. We also have high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Effective SRE does not encourage early sexual experimentation - but it does enable young people to mature, to build up their confidence and self-esteem and to understand the reasons for delaying sexual activity until they are ready.
Useful things to know
As a parent / carer, you are the key person for your child's learning about sex and relationships. Local education authorities no longer have any responsibility for sex education in maintained schools; this now rests with the school's governing body and head teacher.
Schools should always work in partnership with parents / carers. You need to know that the school's SRE programme will complement your role and support you as sex educator of your child.
For example, governing bodies and schools should consult with parents / carers when developing or updating the school's SRE policy. They should ensure your views are heard and that taught SRE is culturally appropriate and inclusive of all children.
As a parent you should have a copy of the school's policy on SRE. You should be consulted by your child's school about its SRE policy and informed about what is taught in SRE lessons.
Parents/carers have the right to withdraw their child from some, or all, SRE lessons, but not statutory science lessons.
Where schools work within the SRE guidelines and consult effectively with parents/carers, you should feel re-assured about the content of the lessons. However, should you be considering such a step, talk it through with your child and then with either the head teacher or another senior teacher at the school. If you decide this step is necessary, then the school should provide information about the lessons being missed and ideas for other sources of support for you to fulfil the task of educating your child.
Tips & treatments
A recent national survey revealed several key points for consideration and action.
- You're not alone! Many parents have anxieties about sex and relationships and their children.
- 84% say there would be fewer teenage pregnancies if more parents talked to their children about sex.
- 87% feel too many teenagers are pressurised into having sex.
- Many find TV programmes or a book a helpful way to raise the subject.
- One in three mums and two in three dads have not told their children 'a lot or anything' about sex and relationships.
- Young people who have good sex and relationship education at home and at school, start sex later and are less likely to have an unplanned pregnancy or to get a sexually transmitted infection.
Sources of help and information
The Government's guidelines on SRE are available at: www.dfes.gov.uk/sreandparents
Further information on contraception is available at:
Information on family planning is available from the fpa (formerly The Family Planning Association) which is a registered charity working to improve the sexual health and reproductive rights of all people throughout the UK. Their site is available at: www.fpa.org.uk
The Department of Health information on sexual health is available at: www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/Healthimprovement/Sexualhealth/
The National AIDS Trust (NAT) aims to promote a wider understanding of HIV and AIDS - www.nat.org.uk
For Pupils
Use the links below to view the pupil material for this topic:
The information contained on this web site does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.