Relationships, Sex and Health Education: Statutory Guidance Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Relationships, Sex and Health Education: Statutory Guidance

Munira Wilson Excerpts
Thursday 16th May 2024

(7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Munira Wilson Portrait Munira Wilson (Twickenham) (LD)
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In 2023, more than 400 young people were diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection every day. Earlier this year, the Women and Equalities Committee found

“compelling evidence that Relationships and Sex Education…in schools is inadequate, including in relation to contraception and…STIs”.

The Children’s Commissioner has similarly attributed that shocking increase to the fact that we are not teaching our kids what they need to hear. Will the Secretary of State explain to the House how she thinks the new guidance, which seems to suggest that STIs will not be taught about before year 9—age 13 or 14—will address those shocking rates?

Gillian Keegan Portrait Gillian Keegan
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The new guidance will be supplemented with materials that will be available from Oak National Academy, which we will ensure address any of the concerns raised. I look forward to working with the Children’s Commissioner and others to make sure of that.