Sex education and the young – some remaining dilemmas

Discusses some of the continuing obstacles that prevent sex and relationship education (SRE) programmes in England from being more effective. The prevalence of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections that disproportionally affect the young indicate the urgency with which action needs to be taken. Discusses current sex education practices in England with reference to recent SRE guidelines and strategies, and in the light of the findings of a focus group of health care and education workers who deliver SRE to young people. The focus group uncovered several barriers to successful SRE. Suggests that apart from commissioning SRE guidelines the Department for Education and Skills needs to take a more overall and direct role in assuring that all young people are offered an adequate SRE. Concludes that any real and lasting changes can only be achieved if sex and relationship education goes beyond the individual to include a focus on social and cultural processes.