Major victory for young people on sex and relationships education

10 November 2009

The government today announced major new proposals for revamping Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) in schools throughout England.

Amongst a series of announcements the parental right to withdraw their child from SRE lessons has been removed from the age of 15.

Jacob Rix, 17, Member of Youth Parliament for Norfolk, said, "I think it is fantastic that so many young people will begin the path to greatly improved, healthy lives. Young people have been campaigning for their right to good sex and relationships education for years, and the UK Youth Parliament SRE; Are You Getting it campaign has been a driving force in these changes."

"This decision is a huge step in the right direction and supported by young people across the country, but it does not stop here. We will continue to fight for ALL young people to have the same opportunity to the facts so that they can all make informed decisions"

Andy Hamflett, chief executive of the UK Youth Parliament, said,

"It’s a very good day for young people’s rights and for young people’s voice being recognised at the highest levels. By signalling their intent to remove a parent's right to withdraw a young person aged 15 or above from the Sex and Relationships Education they need and deserve, the government has undoubtedly taken a bold decision. I heartily applaud the government's stance on this issue."

"Hopefully, once this development has bedded in, people will realise that it will seriously improve provision for young people and allow them to make informed decisions about their bodies and their lives. In the meantime we will continue to focus on what young people are telling us and work toward this entitlement being extended further."

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