Decision not to make sex and relationships education compulsory is disappointing – APCC Chair
Commenting on the Government’s response to a Select Committee report into Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence in Schools, APCC Chair Vera Baird QC said:
“The Government’s decision not to press ahead with the Select Committee’s recommendation to make sex and relationships education a compulsory subject in schools is disappointing.
“Police and Crime Commissioners across the country are having to deal with a dramatic escalation in child exploitation cases, and we know that child sexual abuse in all its forms is significantly under-reported. If it is taught well, SRE would give children who are victims of abuse the education to judge earlier that it is wrong and develop the confidence to report.
“There are an overwhelming number of expert bodies speaking out in favour of compulsory sex and relationships. Indeed, the Government itself in its response concedes that the evidence for its benefit is widely supported, so perhaps a different approach is needed.
“Whilst it is regrettable that the Government has opted not to take action, we want to work with Ministers to help protect children, including through any advisory group established to look at how the issues and recommendations from the select committee’s report can be taken forward.”
ENDS
Notes for editors
1) Article by APPC Chair Vera Baird QC calling for compulsory SRE 01/08/16 https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/01/sex-education-child-abuse-compulsory-pshe-education
2) Link to Women and Equality Report and Government response http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/women-and-equalities-committee/news-parliament-2015/sexual-harassment-and-sexual-violence-in-schools-government-response-published-16-17/
3) For more information contact jamie.hurst@apccs.police.uk 07710 716659