Responding to comments by fertility expert Lord Winston today in the House of Lords demanding better sex and relationship education in schools, Kerry Smith, Head of Girls' Rights at children's charity Plan International UK commented: "Sadly, it is absolutely right that we are failing young people when it comes to learning about healthy relationships and consent.
"Quality sex and relationships education helps young people to understand their bodies, develop healthy attitudes towards sex and relationships and tackle inappropriate and aggressive sexual behaviour.
"Young people need education about the realities of life and relationships, including consent.
"Earlier this year we reported that girls in particular were at risk of sexual violence in schools, with one in five UK women reporting an experience of sexual abuse during their education.
"Currently, school is all too often part of the problem, when it needs to be part of the solution.
"We need mandatory sex and relationships education in schools, as part of a holistic approach to tackling gender inequality through education."
COMMENT: Peers in House of Lords demand better sex and relationship education in schools
Responding to comments by fertility expert Lord Winston today in the House of Lords demanding better sex and relationship education in schools, Kerry Smith, Head of Girls' Rights at children's charity Plan International UK commented: "Sadly, it is absolutely right that we are failing young people when it comes to learning about healthy relationships and consent.
"Quality sex and relationships education helps young people to understand their bodies, develop healthy attitudes towards sex and relationships and tackle inappropriate and aggressive sexual behaviour.
"Young people need education about the realities of life and relationships, including consent.
"Earlier this year we reported that girls in particular were at risk of sexual violence in schools, with one in five UK women reporting an experience of sexual abuse during their education.
"Currently, school is all too often part of the problem, when it needs to be part of the solution.
"We need mandatory sex and relationships education in schools, as part of a holistic approach to tackling gender inequality through education."