BASHH responds to Government plans to ban sex and relationship lessons for children under nine in England

15 May 2024 (Last updated: 21 May 2024 10:53)

The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) expresses deep concern over the recently announced plans to remove access to sex education for children under nine years old. This move is alarming and risks leaving children and young people without essential support.

BASHH underlines those starting good conversations and providing age-appropriate materials on sexual health and wellbeing at an early age is an important and evidence-based approach to supporting positive and healthy approaches to sexual health and wellbeing later in life.

Professor Matt Phillips, BASHH President, commented: “Teaching respect and fostering healthy relationships from a young age is crucial in both eradicating stigma and empowering children to have positive attitudes towards sexual health and wellbeing later on. Children have questions, and providing accurate and age-appropriate information in a safe environment can help prevent misinformation, especially online and on social media. We urge policymakers to reconsider and prioritise the well-being of young individuals by ensuring comprehensive sex education for all.”