Schools in England to be banned from teaching sex education to children under nine

Schools in England are set to introduce a new 'ban' that will impact all children under the age of nine. The government is poised to propose new guidance that will prohibit sex education in primary schools for pupils aged nine and above.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan is expected to instruct teachers to focus on "biological" facts and will announce a consultation suggesting that schools should not teach any form of sex education before year 5, when children reach the age of nine.

A Whitehall source commented: "Most schools are doing a great job [teaching sex and relationship education], however, there have been many concerning reports, and these limits are based on advice from an expert panel."

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The source added: "It's never an easy balance to make to ensure children are both prepared but also able to remain children but this guidance achieves that," According to The Daily Telegraph, the specifics of the guidance are "still being finalised".

Furthermore, The Telegraph has revealed that the upcoming guidance will clarify that "gender ideology", which includes discussions about changing gender, is considered a "contested subject". A second source mentioned: "Any other contested view: schools should ensure they are clear that it is a contested view and fairly present all sides.", reports Birmingham Live.

The revised guidelines are believed to provide more detail on what schools can teach in sex education up to age 13. Until then, reports in The Telegraph indicate that the content of lessons will be largely limited to the "basic facts" about conception and birth.

Reports say that schools in England will now be expected to emphasise on the value of families, friendships, and ensuring that relationships are "respectful". This is said to involve discussions on harmful stereotypes and roles.

Furthermore, it's understood from The Telegraph that the new classes and school guidelines will address the risks associated with social media and online relationships.

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