LONDON, Nov 6, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- The British government plans to make
sex education compulsory for students in all schools, beginning at age 5,
officials said Thursday.
Parents would no longer be able to withdraw their children from sex education
classes once they turn 15, The Times of London reported. Currently, the opt outs
are available until age 19.
The new rules would take effect in 2011 if they are approved.
"Sex and relationship education is a very important element and we see it as
crucial to our drive to reduce teenage pregnancy," Schools Secretary Ed Balls
said.
At age 5, students would learn about parts of the body and get some education on
relationships.
Schools operated by religious groups would be allowed to offer sex education
"within the ethos of their faith." But they would be required to provide
accurate factual information.
"You can teach the promotion of marriage, you can teach that you shouldn't have
sex outside of marriage -- what you can't do is deny young people information
about contraception outside of marriage," Balls said.
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