Following on from a UK Youth Parliament campaign to improve sex and relationships education in schools, the Government has today announced a range of reforms, including making PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) a compulsory part of the curriculum for 5 to 16 year-olds. This will include consistent sex and relationships education for all young people.

Katrina Mather, 16, Member of Youth Parliament, said,

“Young people want to make healthy and informed decisions about sex and relationships, but until now, too many have been let down by the education system. The government’s decision to listen to young people and ensure good quality sex and relationships education is a huge step forward and one that is supported by young people throughout the country.

“No school or parent should be able to prevent a young person receiving good, high quality sex and relationships education. Young people want the facts. We will continue to fight to ensure young people’s voices are heard on this issue and that every young person, regardless of background, school, or faith has the opportunity to learn about sex and relationships.

“Young people have been the driving force behind this decision today and must continue to be fully involved in every aspect of designing the new curriculum.”

According to a UK Youth Parliament survey of over 20,000 young people, only a quarter of 11-18 year-olds are currently receiving good sex and relationships education.