England to revise sex education guidelines, ban 'explicit' topics like contraception and gender

Sex education in England's primary schools may soon see a ban for children under nine. As per a newly proposed guidance, "explicit" discussions such as those on topics like contraception could also be banned for those under 13 years of age.

The new sex education guidelines

The revised guidelines on relationships, sex and health education, as per The Guardian, are expected to be published this week by England's education secretary, Gillian Keegan.

Reports suggest that Keegan would recommend that schools be banned from teaching sex education of any type to children before year 5, when they are aged nine.

"Most schools are doing a great job, however, there have been many concerning reports, and these limits are based on advice from an expert panel," an unnamed Whitehall source told The Guardian.

However, schools will have the flexibility to discuss certain topics outside the proscribed age groups. This will be true only in certain circumstances, suchas if a child shares an inappropriate image with the class, etc.

"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," added the source.

Parents to have a bigger say

Furthermore, the guidance will require schools to share all classroom materials with parents.

It might also potentially contain restrictions on teachings about gender and education.

As per the Daily Telegraph, while details were "still being finalised," the guidance will mandate that teachers say that there are two biological sexes.

It also makes clear that "gender ideology" involving discussions regarding changes in gender is a "contested subject".

These revised guidelines as per reports are far more detailed about what schools can and cannot teach in sex education up to the ages of 13, which would be year 9 in school. Sexual education before that is to be limited to "basic facts" of birth and conception, the importance of families, friendships etc.

(With inputs from agencies)