CHILDREN as young as five should be given lessons in sex and relationships, according to a health watchdog.
Good-quality classes on sex, relationships and alcohol help youngsters to understand the risks and consequences of their actions and resist peer pressure, says the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.
Research shows that two-fifths of young people rate sex education in their school as poor or very poor, it said.
Nice said that sex and relationships education is “more effective if it is introduced before young people first have sex”.
It calls for youngsters to be given lessons which are “factually accurate, unbiased and non-judgmental”, tailored to each age group, and take into account “cultural, faith and family” issues. It means primary pupils could start by learning about friendships and respecting others.
Ministers are looking at sex and relationships education as part of a wider overhaul of the curriculum, the Department for Education said.
