Last week’s media highlighted the rise in sexually transmitted infections among under-16s. If we encourage more people to be tested, we will find out about more infections that were previously undiagnosed. This is a positive sign of progress in educating young people about the risks and the importance of getting tested for STIs.
The figures do confirm that we must do more to support young people to make good decisions and choices that enable them to protect their physical and emotional health.
We are delighted that the government has signalled its intention to make Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education a statutory part of the national curriculum. It shows a progressive and bold government that has at long last taken notice of the views of children and young people. It is a shame it is only happening now, almost ten years after the launch of the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy.
Having done a review which confirms majority support from children and young people, teachers and parents for PSHE education, it is disappointing that the government is again asking the question in the consultation as to whether it should be made compulsory, rather than focusing on the important question which is how to make that happen.
We look forward to the outcome of the public consultation and urge the government to implement these changes as soon as possible to ensure that all children and young people receive the education they tell us they need and are entitled to.
We remain concerned that continuing to allow parents to withdraw children from lessons could undermine the right of every child to receive education about sex and relationships.
Young people need to be well informed about the risks of sexually transmitted infections and teenage pregnancy so that when they choose to become sexually active they can do so safely. Sexual health information, education and services need to be relevant to people’s everyday experience of sex and relationships.
Young people’s sexual health is a key policy concern with the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy aiming to cut under-18 conceptions by half by 2010, the National Chlamydia Screening Programme rolling out screening throughout England and the Sexual Health and HIV Strategy all working to improve sexual health. It is brilliant that these three strategies are in place and it is now time to really make sure they are coordinated in such a way that we see the best return on investment in terms of young people’s sexual health.
It is important to remember that most young people under 16 are not having sex. The age at which the majority of 16-19 year olds today first have sexual intercourse is 16 and 70% of young men and 75% of young women have not had intercourse before their 16th birthday.
We live in an increasingly sexualised society. This demands a determined government response to shift the negative culture around sex and young people. We must have high expectations of young people so that they can have high expectations for themselves and the relationships and sex they choose.