New draft guidance released by The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has argued that all children and young people should be taught effectively about sex and relationships within a planned programme of Personal Social Health and Economic (PSHE) education, starting in primary school. The BHA has welcomed the guidance as a positive step.
Naomi Phillips, BHA Head of Public Affairs, commented, ‘This is very good news as good quality sex and relationships education is proven to reduce unwanted pregnancies and gives young people the information they need to avoid sexually transmitted infections and harmful relationships. These draft recommendations give a strong case for early, effective education in all schools along with adequate training for teachers.
‘Unfortunately, the guidance also suggests that such education should be “appropriate to faith perspectives.” This is concerning as we know that some ‘faith schools’ are very resistant to the idea of teaching balanced sex and relationships education. As the government take the Academies Bill and the Education Bill through Parliament, we will be working with many other groups, including those who work on children’s rights, to make sure that sex and relationships education becomes part of the national curriculum, with no opt outs for religious schools.’
Notes
Read about the BHA’s work on PSHE.
Read about the NICE draft guidance.
For further information, contact Naomi Phillips on 020 7079 3585.
The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the non-religious and campaigning for an end to religious privilege and discrimination based on religion or belief. Committed to human rights, democracy, equality and mutual respect, the BHA works for an open and inclusive society with freedom of belief and speech.