Debate on Sex and Relationship Education in Primary Schools

On Tuesday 25 October I led a debate in Parliament to discuss sex and relationship education (SRE) in primary schools. There is no doubt that sex and relationship education is important and needs to be taught to our children as we try to deal with issues such as teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, however, there is also no doubt that some of the material being used in some schools is completely inappropriate for the ages of the pupils.

I am confident that every school is teaching SRE with the best of intentions; however a lot of the material is unlicensed and supplied by private companies without guidance to schools. A number of head teachers have said to me that they would appreciate far more guidance on what is age appropriate and suitable for children of different age groups.

In my speech in Parliament I made four points. Firstly I suggested that an independent body such as the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) which has been age rating our films and DVDs since it was set up in 1912, could extend their remit to cover SRE material to provide guidance for schools.

Secondly, I would like to see appropriate material being taught in every school. SRE is about sex and relationships. We should not be teaching our children solely about the physical act of sex but we should also be teaching about relationships, explaining that sex can lead to lots of emotions being felt, explaining certain consequences and emphasising love and commitment.

Thirdly, I called for schools to be helped to make informed decisions over what is being taught. I would like to see teachers, head teachers and governors all taking an active interest in the material being used in SRE lessons and making sensible decisions, with better guidance.

Finally, I stressed how important a parent's involvement in this issue is. Parents often assume that a school knows best – which is no bad thing – but on such a sensitive issue parents must be supplied with all the information. I also believe that rather than being able to 'opt out' of SRE lessons in primary schools, parents should be allowed to 'opt in' after considering all the information. What could be acceptable for one seven year old may not be acceptable for another seven year old and only a parent can make this decision.

The debate was well attended and was very good natured with some interesting and constructive speeches and comments being made. Away from the Punch and Judy style politics of Prime Ministers Questions and the big debates in the Chamber of the House of Commons, which the media tend to focus on, it is often the smaller debates that receive less attention that are the most constructive, informative and productive.

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