In a stark warning, Members of Parliament have highlighted the concerning trend of children resorting to pornography and social media for sexual education due to inadequacies in school-based programs.
The cross-party women and equalities committee raised alarm over the use of unconventional sources, citing them as exposing pupils to an “unacceptable risk of harm” amidst a backdrop of escalating rates of sexually transmitted diseases.
Attributing these trends to a lack of authoritative guidance, the committee emphasized the urgent need for enhanced relationships and sex education (RSE) to be integrated into the curriculum, extending its reach up to the age of 18.
Central to the committee’s concerns is the declining use of condoms, seen as a crucial tool in combating the spread of diseases. They stressed the imperative of including comprehensive education on condom use within the curriculum.
Today’s report from the committee underscores a systemic failure in current RSE provisions. It points to compelling evidence suggesting that existing programs are falling short in adequately equipping young people with essential knowledge about relationships and sexual health.
The government came under particular scrutiny for disregarding prior warnings regarding cuts to sexual health services funding. The committee highlighted a concerning trend of diminishing funding juxtaposed with rising infection rates, characterizing the situation as untenable.
Recent data on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in England, described as “deeply concerning” by the committee, revealed a staggering 23.8% increase in new diagnoses in 2022 compared to the previous year, totaling 392,453 cases.
Conservative MP Caroline Nokes, chairing the women and equalities committee, stressed the urgency of the situation, noting that sexual health services are under immense strain. She urged stakeholders to heed the alarming data and strive for significant improvements in sexual education and healthcare provision.
