Government probe into ‘disturbing and inappropriate’ sex classes for kids is formally launched
A REVIEW into "disturbing" and "inappropriate" sex classes for kids will be completed by the end of the year, ministers confirmed today.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan warned there must be "no room for any disturbing content” in schools after a report found 10-year-olds are being taught about porn.
The independent expert review, launched today, will look at introducing age ratings on sex-ed content and guaranteeing only "high-quality teaching materials" are used.
Last month a Tory MP warned the Commons parents were kept in the dark about “graphic lessons on oral sex, how to choke your partner safely and 72 genders".
A shocking expose by the Policy Exchange think tank found teachers have hidden knowledge of pupils questioning their gender identity or expressing a wish to change their gender.
Today Ms Keegan wrote to all schools demanding they share curriculum materials with parents.
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The Education Secretary said: "I am deeply concerned about reports of inappropriate lessons being taught in schools.
“This urgent review will get to the heart of how RSHE is currently taught and should be taught in the future.
"This will leave no room for any disturbing content, restore parents' confidence, and make sure children are even better protected."
The probe will also look at ensuring lessons are accurate and don't present sensitive and contested topics such as trans issues as fact.
And teachers will be sent fresh instructions on what to do if kids are questioning their gender over summer.
New sex-ed guidance is planned to be released in the next few months, with changes getting formal approval by the end of 2023.
Tory MP Miriam Cates, who has been leading the charge for improved and appropriate sex-ed in schools, told The Sun: "I’m delighted that the Government has recognised the importance of fixing this issue, and understands the need for the process to be led by an independent panel of experts from outside the Department for Education.
"The panel must reflect the important legal, social, and developmental questions around RSE, with a focus on teaching facts not politically contested ideas."
She added: I"'m particularly pleased that the review will look at bringing in age ratings on topics and materials so that children are no longer exposed to explicit and extreme sexual content in the classroom."
Yesterday, Rishi Sunak admitted he's “very concerned" about reports of disturbing sex lessons for kids.
The PM said: “For me, the safety and well-being of our children is of paramount importance.
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“And I’ve also been clear that parents must be able to know what is being taught to their kids in school, especially in these sensitive areas.
“For the summer term we will make sure we publish guidance for schools so that they know how to respond when children are asking about their gender.”