The British government sets new guidelines for sex education
The British Conservative government has taken significant steps in relation to sexuality and gender identity education in schools. A ban on sex education for children under the age of 9 has been announced and restrictions have been placed on the explicit content that can be addressed in sex talks. These measures have been taken in response to the concerns of parents and the demands of the hard wing of the Conservative party.
Minimum age for sex talk
Under the new guidelines, children under the age of 9 will receive basic information about conception and birth, while students aged 13 and up will be able to participate in more explicit conversations about sex, which will include topics such as contraceptive methods, sexually transmitted diseases and abortion Also, from the age of 13, students will also receive information about pornography and sexual violence. In addition, the possibility has been established that parents can deny their children receiving this kind of information, except in exceptional cases.
Reactions and criticism
These measures have generated diverse reactions. On the one hand, there have been complaints from the parents of some students, who express their concern about the type of education their children are receiving. On the other hand, the teachers have shown their disagreement with these guidelines, stating that they put the students in the middle of a delicate subject and that they are being used as a political piece. The teachers’ unions consider that these measures are politically motivated and that they seek to distance themselves from the labor opposition in the face of a possible general election.
Warnings and penalties
The guidance also includes warnings to avoid proactively teaching children in schools and sets out penalties for schools that do not comply with the new guidelines. It emphasizes the importance of family, friendship and respect for others for children under the age of 9, and warns about the harmful implications that this kind of knowledge can have.