Should young people have a say on what is taught in RSE?

42264

Total votes

14184

5-11 votes

28080

11-16+ votes

With the Department of Education's recent announcement to review of the statutory RSE guidance, we gave voters the chance to share their views on what they currently learn about relationships.

Secondary, 16+ & College voters were asked: “Should young people have a say on what is taught in Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)?”, while Primary 9-11 voters discussed: “Do you get enough relationships education in school?”, and Primary 5-9 voters considered: “Does school help you with your relationships?”

42,264 young people in the UK have taken part in this vote.

5-11 voter

We do have enough relationship education in school because it has helped me solve problems in class and at home with my siblings.

11-16 voter

We should have a say on what we learn, we want our questions answered, we don't feel comfortable learning everything we're currently taught and we want to learn about things relevant to us that interest us.

16+ voter

Our split vote represents the group's opinion that they understand that young people need experts to guide them at first, but after that they should be allowed to ask questions and learn more about what they find important.

Thank you to Brook, Unicef and Sex Education Forum for responding to young people's voices on this VoteTopic!

Here's what they had to say:

59% of Secondary students argued that young people should have a say on what is taught in RSE.

Secondary, College and 16+ students discussed the question, "Should young people have a say on what is taught in Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)?"
59% of Secondary students and 67% of College & 16+ students voted 'Yes'.

51% of 9-11 year olds argued they do get enough relationships education in school.

Primary pupils aged 5-9 voted on the question, "Does school help you with your relationships?" 78% voted 'Yes'.
Primary pupils aged 9-11 discussed, "Do you get enough relationships education in school?" 51% voted 'Yes'.

Concerns that the current RSE curriculum can be repetitive were made by some students.

Many young people argued that the current RSE curriculum can be repetitive and outdated. They stressed that student involvement in planning the curriculum could prevent this.
However, some students said that the curriculum should be left to the adults, as they often don't know what it is that they haven't been taught.

42264

14184