Early Childhood Sex Ed to Become Compulsory in UK
In England, Education Secretary Justine Greening recently announced that sex and relationships education will be compulsory in all schools. Even as early as the age of 4, children will be taught about safe and healthy relationships. Parents will still have the right to withdraw their children from these classes.
Utah Senate Strikes Homosexuality Provision from State Law
Over the past few weeks, a bill that would remove a homosexuality provision from state law has been moving its way up the chain. Most recently, the Utah Senate gave near-unanimous approval to end the existing state ban on the “advocacy of homosexuality” in public school sex education courses. The bill will now be moved to the House for consideration.
Primary School Sex Ed Textbooks at the Center of Heated Debate
A series of primary school sex ed textbooks in China, called “Cherish Life,” has been met with mixed reactions among parents who feel the content is inappropriate for their children. The books contain illustrations depicting male and female genitals, couples having sex, and various scenarios of children asking parents general questions about sex, including sexual abuse. The series, is intended for children ages 6-12.
St. Louis Parents Push Back Against Anti-Abortion Sex Ed Provider
In St. Louis, Missouri, parents and students are pushing back against a sex education curriculum, Best Choice, that’s being provided to more than 20,000 teens and as many as 75 public schools in the area by a Christian, anti-abortion organization, Thrive St. Louis. There has been so much outcry over this that one school district, Francis Howell, announced it would stop using the program.
California School District Moves into Compliance with State Sex Ed Laws
The Kern High School District in Bakersfield, California, has voted unanimously to revamp its sexual education policies in order to comply with new state laws. Parents will be able to opt their children out of the program if they so desire.