Portsmouth teenager calls for compulsory sex education classes

January 12 2011

A 14-year-old from Portsmouth is calling for English schoolchildren to be provided with compulsory sex education lessons.

Hayden Taylor, who sits on the Council of Portsmouth Schools, believes classes are not adequate at present.

Speaking to Portsmouth Today, he said: "Many teachers who take the lessons are either too embarrassed to tackle it head on, or aren't qualified enough, so no-one benefits," the teenager said.

"But it is important to learn about our bodies, relationships, contraception and healthy living. In Portsmouth we have higher than average rates of obesity and teenage pregnancy is a major problem, so it is vital that children are taught how to avoid becoming a statistic."

Although personal, social and health education lessons take place in many schools, they are not compulsory.

He added that the coalition government do not understand that teaching a young student to discuss their problems and learn about social issues will boost their confidence and help them to achieve more academically.

News brought to you by TimePlan, the UK's FIRST for teaching jobs

Want to know more about teaching in the UK?
 

News Homepage