United Kingdom: Sex Education to Begin at Age Five in All Schools

The Department for Children, Schools and Family is planning to make sex and relationship education mandatory for primary and secondary schools in England, which has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in Europe.

Currently, secondary schools must teach only the mechanics of sex in biology classes, outside of the context of relationships and sexual health. Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) is not compulsory, and a recent survey found that four in 10 English pupils receive no sex education. In Wales and Northern Ireland, sex education is required.

Under PSHE, state schools in England will teach parts of the body and animal reproduction beginning at age five; puberty and intercourse from age seven; and pregnancy, contraception, and safer sex beginning at age 11. Religious schools will be given supplementary guidance on teaching the statutory program of study.

"We are not talking about five-year-olds being taught about sex," said Schools Minister Jim Knight. "At key stage one [ages five to seven], they will be learning about themselves, their differences, their friendships, how to have strong friendships and how to manage their feelings."

PSHE is slated to begin in 2010 and will include lessons about drugs and alcohol, how to manage finances, and have a good diet. Knight said parents will be kept informed of the program's content. Parents' right to opt their child out of PSHE will be respected, said Knight, but he rejected the idea of schools opting out.

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