Statement in response to government announcement on sex and relationships education

Tanya Barron, chief executive of Plan International UK, which has been calling for statutory sex and relationships education, said:

“We applaud Justine Greening’s recognition that sex and relationships education should be seen as a core part of a child’s schooling. Our recent research shows that more than eight in ten Brits agree and we look forward to it becoming a reality.

“This common sense policy will ensure that the education our children receive reflects the 21st century reality of their lives. Education on subjects such as sexting and the impact of pornography in secondary school is what young people themselves are telling us they need. It's our responsibility to listen to them. 

“Sex and relationships education is a vital means of equipping children to deal with the challenges they face – especially girls. We know, for example, that reports of sexual harassment within schools have more than doubled in recent years, with girls disproportionately affected. We know that children are likely to have seen pornography and received sexualised messages in secondary school. This is the reality of the age of the internet and smartphones.

“Good quality, age-appropriate sex and relationships education helps them to understand and navigate that reality, and we look forward to working with the Department for Education and others to ensure it meets young people's expectations and that schools have the right funding and training to deliver it."