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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Nicholas Cecil

Sex education rules: 'I don't want my children exposed to inappropriate content,' says minister Chris Philp

Police minister Chris Philp told on Wednesday how he did not want his children exposed to “inappropriate content” in sex education classes at school.

The father-of-two confirmed that new guidance on sex education is due to come out shortly and he expects changes to come into force quickly.

He told GB News: "As a parent as well, I don't want my children, to be honest, to be exposed to inappropriate content at a pretty young age and nor do I want politically contested ideas like the trans issues being taught as if they're facts.

"I think childhood is a really special time and I don't think we need to introduce some of these ideas too early.

"So I think the changes that are likely to come are going to be very welcome and as I say, I know the Education Secretary will get on and do them as quickly as possible.

"As a parent I strongly welcome that."

Age limits are set to be imposed for the first time on when children can be taught about sex education, reports have suggested.

Schools will be told not to teach children any form of sex education until year 5, when pupils are aged nine, according to the Times newspaper.

Other measures set to be announced by Education Secretary Gillian Keegan will prevent children from being taught they can change their gender identity, and rules out any explicit conversations about sex until they are aged 13, the newspaper said.

Children would also not be taught about contraception, sexually transmitted infections, and abortion until this age.

The new guidance is reportedly part of the Government’s response following concerns that some children are receiving age-inappropriate relationships, sex and health education (RSHE).

The Times reported schools will be required to provide parents with samples of the material their children will be taught to quell these fears.

RSHE was made mandatory in all schools in England from September 2020.

The existing guidance outlines broad lesson modules which says primary school aged children should be taught about different types of families and healthy relationships.

Secondary school aged children meanwhile are taught more complex topics, including about puberty, sexual relationships, consent, unsafe relationships and online harms.

The Prime Minister commissioned a review into the curriculum after hearing concerns, including from Conservative MPs, that children were receiving sex education lessons at too young an age.

The Department for Education said it could not confirm the newspaper reports, and that it would not speculate on leaks.

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