Sex education to be compulsory in schools

By Tim Castle

LONDON (Reuters) - Sex education classes will become compulsory for state-educated children in England aged five to 16, alongside new lessons on drugs, healthy lifestyles and finance, the government announced on Thursday.

Primary school children are to be taught about parts of the body, puberty and how to talk about feelings and friendships.

Secondary school pupils will learn about the importance of stable relationships to family life and about how risky sexual behaviour can lead to infection and unwanted pregnancies.

"Modern life is increasingly complex and we have a duty to equip our young people with the knowledge and skills to deal with it," said Schools Minister Jim Knight.

"It's vital that this information doesn't come from playground rumour or the mixed messages from the media about sex.

"We need structured classroom teaching, set within a clear understanding of right and wrong that emphasises the importance of family relationships."

The government said it was making the move after accepting the recommendations of two reviews into sex and drug education, which it also published on Thursday.

Earlier this month, Knight told MPs that many young people had told the review into sex education they did not know enough to make safe and responsible choices about relationships and sexual health.