Anger over 'irresponsible' school sex education plan

Rishi Sunak is facing a backlash over irresponsible” plans to ban sex education for children under nine while limiting it for children under 13.

- ARCHIE MITCHELL , DAVID MADDOX

The prime minister has been accused of using children as a “political football” over plans to ban all sex education in primary schools until year five. Lessons would then focus simply on conception and birth, with no explicit discussions of sexual acts until they are 13 and over, according to reports.

Domestic violence, coercive control and sexual violence would also not be discussed until children reach 13 under the guidance, due to be announced by education secretary Gillian Keegan. Children would also not be taught about contraception, sexually transmitted infections, and abortion until age 13.

Critics of the plans told The Independent it would lead to a rise in sexual and homophobic bullying and leave young people at risk of being sexually abused by their peers.

The National Education Union said the guidance failed to account for the fact children and young people already get information about sex and relationships from the internet and on the playground.

General secretary Daniel Kebede said they need the opportunity to discuss puberty and relationships with trusted adults. He said: “Issues such as domestic violence can affect children from a young age and it is irresponsible to shut out this conversation until teenage years. We must also challenge widespread patterns like sexual bullying and homophobic bullying which start in primary school.”

The Gemini Project, a charity campaigning to end sexual violence, told The Independent mandatory consent lessons should be taught in all primary and secondary schools “as a matter of safeguarding”.