“Having hosted a Cyber Safety Event for parents and as a mum myself, I am aware that the online world presents both incredible opportunities and challenges for our children. I am delighted to see that the Government is taking the advice of leading charities and teaching unions so that our curriculum equips students with the tools to be safe online and in relationships.” Caroline Dinenage MP
The Government has announced that they are making health education universal and updating sex education guidance for the first time since 2000.
From September 2020, all children will be taught how to look after their own mental and physical wellbeing through compulsory Relationships Education. Relationships Education will be compulsory in England primary schools and Relationship and Sex Education will be compulsory in secondary schools.
The announcement today is a result of an extensive consultation with over 11 000 responses from the public, including leading charities and teaching unions. The subjects will be designed to ensure that students are taught how to stay safe, be confident and develop healthy relationships with friends, family and partners. It will also teach children as young as 4 about mental health, and the link between physical and mental wellbeing.
As part of the bold new proposals, schools should address the physical and emotional damage caused by FGM, raising awareness for support options and ensuring that pupils know it is illegal.
All reforms will be taught in an age-appropriate way and the Department for Education has worked with key groups to determine subject content. Parents will retain the right to withdraw their child from sex education in secondary schools.
Caroline commented:
“We need to teach our children the tools they need to stay safe, healthy and happy in the modern world. I was shocked to hear that 50% of mental health problems are established by the age of 14, and I am glad to see that the Government is educating children on the links between physical and mental health, treating them on parity. Children need self-care tools to look after themselves both online and offline and recognise the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. This is a step in the right direction.”