Comment: Let's talk about sex and relationships

Thursday 4 June 2009

The first National Family Week (25-31 May) promoted quality time for parents, carers and children. But did the spring backdrop of birds singing and bees buzzing prompt families to talk about sex and relationships?

The Sex Education Forum (SEF) knows children value talking openly with parents and carers about sex and relationships. One young person said in a 2008 SEF survey: "I can always ask my parents anything, they are happy to tell me and talk through stuff." But the reverse is also true: "Most parents don't know how to bring the topic up without their children running in disgust. As this is ultimately avoided, children may not know any facts and learn from friends."

This is why an entitlement to sex and relationships education (SRE) through statutory personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is so crucial - to ensure every child gets the information they need to stay safe and be healthy.

Published in April, Sir Alasdair MacDonald's review into making PSHE education statutory describes the responsibility parents and carers have to make sure their child knows about sex and relationships. MacDonald points out that parents who take their children out of SRE lessons must provide an alternative.

Schools, parents and carers all play a role, but effective SRE is a partnership. Young people acknowledge that parents "could benefit from a lesson or two" and parents generally welcome support. Some schools invite parents to discuss teaching resources and SRE policy; and some provide regular updates, suggesting talking points parents can follow up at home.

Many adults say their own SRE was inadequate. Supportive partnerships can get past embarrassment and foster the open, inter-generational conversations about sex and relationships that children want.

Lucy Emmerson, acting co-ordinator, Sex Education Forum.