Sex education for children in Glasgow from age of four

Published on Thursday 8 October 2009 12:41

CHILDREN as young as four are to be given sex education in school, a city council said today.

Primary one pupils in Glasgow will learn the names of body parts, including male and female genitalia, and will learn about reproduction in animals from primary two.

Lessons on sexual health and relationships will continue throughout their time at primary and secondary school.

The programme concludes in sixth-year with classes on global issues associated with sexually-transmitted infections, especially HIV and AIDS.

The new sexual health and relationships curriculum is being rolled out in non-denominational schools across Glasgow following pilots in the east of the city.

The local authority said the scheme has received "overwhelming support" from pupils, parents and teachers.

James Coleman, deputy leader of Glasgow City Council, said "As we understand, this is the first curriculum to give pupils a comprehensive sexual health and relationships education throughout their school careers.

"Work on the curriculum has been built upon a long-term understanding of what parents and children want to see in sexual health and relationships education.

"Both parents and children made it very clear to us they wanted to be closer to one another on this issue and this curriculum allows for that to happen.

"Stronger bonds between parent and their child helps to encourage young people to delay engaging in sexual activity until they are physically and emotionally equipped to deal with the consequences."

The pilot in 2007/08 took place in 13 primary schools and two secondary schools around the city.

The new curriculum deals with emotions, friendships, self-esteem and respect as well as physical development and sexual health.

From primary five pupils will learn about puberty and in year three will learn about contraception and safe sex.

Maureen McKenna, service director for Education, said the curriculum is devised to build knowledge year-on-year.

Ms McKenna said: "From P1 onwards, topics and issues are introduced at an appropriate age and handled in an appropriate way.

"It is tailored to meet the needs and development of young people in Glasgow.

"Parents have a crucial part to play too and by keeping them involved through supporting their child's learning they are prepared for any questions that may crop up at home.

"We are confident we will see the benefits of this approach in improved sexual health and relationships outcomes for young people in the years ahead."

The local health board also welcomed the new lessons.

Linda de Caestecker, director of public health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "It is extremely heartening to see that an issue which has traditionally been regarded as difficult or taboo can now be approached in such a sensible and inclusive manner.

"Bringing parents and children closer together on sexual health and relationships education will most certainly lead to significant benefits in the long run."