Children as young as four are set to be given compulsory sex education in primary school.

They will be taught the names of body parts and basic ideas about different relationships. Government advisers claim that 'gradual education' from such a young age would help to stop children from rushing into sex when they are older. They argue that the sex education that children receive in science classes does not go far enough. But the recommendations caused a storm of protest yesterday, with family campaigners claiming that the views of parents and teachers are being ignored. Norman Wells, director of the pressure group Family and Youth Concern, said: 'What this is really all about is the sex education establishment trying to force schools to do something many parents - and many teachers - are uncomfortable with.' At present, primary heads and governors decide whether or not to provide sex education and what it should involve beyond the compulsory science requirements laid down by the national curriculum. They must have a policy on whether or not they provide sex education. If they do provide it, usually in personal, social and health education (PSHE) classes, parents have the right to withdraw their children. But the fpa - formerly the Family Planning Association - the sexual health advice service Brook and the Sex Education Forum are recommending the introduction of compulsory lessons. They are taking part in a Government review of Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) in primary and secondary schools. The charities sit on a panel, which is currently examining 'the right age to begin teaching what the key messages are and content that young people should receive at each key stage'. They have pre-empted publication of their final report later this month and publicly announced their recommendation for statutory sex education from primary school onwards. This would bring sex and relationship education on to the curriculum alongside other compulsory subjects such as maths and English. Brook chief executive Simon Blake said: 'All the evidence shows that if you start sex and relationships education early - before children start puberty, before they feel sexual attraction - they start having sex later. 'They are much more likely to use contraception and practise safe sex.'

Anna Martinez, head of the Sex Education Forum, confirmed they are recommending making PSHE statutory to give it 'the high status it deserves as an essential part of all children's education'.

Should teens have sex education in schools? Absolutely. While part of me would like to say that it's the responsibility of the parents, it isn't - not fully. Many parents aren't equipped to discuss the scientific side of sex and its consequences with their children, or to talk to them in any detail about what's happening inside their bodies that has suddenly made sex an issue. Where parental responsibility lies is in keeping the channels of communication open with their children, keeping a finger on the pulse of their children's lives, and doing everything they can to encourage their children to talk to them every day about their thoughts, feelings and experiences. The teenage years (and the several years leading up to them) are no walk in the park, for either the teenager involved or their parents. For the teenager, their body is changing and growing at an alarming pace and in a myriad of ways, some of them baffling or nerve-wracking. They are under more stress, both academically and socially, than ever before, and often want to see themselves as adults, capable of running their own lives. Add in the factor of what the "cool kids" are doing, or supposedly doing, and sex becomes a temptation on a variety of levels: to fit in, to feel like an adult, to show a significant other how important a relationship is to them, to rebel against their parents the list goes on. For the parent, they often spend their children's teenage years sitting back in wide-eyed, slack-jawed shock, wondering what happened to their darling, sweet-natured child. Little Janey becomes a sulking, crying, screaming whirling dervish of out-of-control emotion overnight who seems to want to spend most of her time on the phone or as far away from the house as possible, and Little Jimmy becomes a sulking, brooding shut-in who says barely two words a day and seems to grow out of his clothes every other week. Between the confusion of the teenager about what they're going through, and their desire to fit in and be "cool" - the definition of which usually doesn't include conversing with Mom and Dad - and the confusion of the parents about the dramatic changes in their children's behavior, it can be difficult to sit down and have any kind of conversation, let alone one about as serious a subject as sex. This is where school comes in. It's an environment that teenagers are used to, whether or not they like it, and one with authority figures against whom most teenagers will not rebel because they know what the consequences built into the system are, and usually don't want to deal with them. Most teenagers tend to respect their teachers on some level, and may see them as a more objective source of information than their parents, so they may listen without the automatic "you-don't-know-what -you're-talking-abou t" reflex that tends to kick in when parents attempt to address a serious issue with their teenagers. School, as an academic medium, can cover all sides of the issue of sex without (too much) awkwardness. The physical act and the possible consequences, from pregnancy to infection, are scientific. The emotional aspects of sex and its aftermath can also be explained as science - a chemical reaction in the brain to a social setting. Students can be taught how to put on a condom using a banana as a prop, and that simple instruction

can go a long way toward making teenagers think about what that situation would really be like, and whether or not they're ready for it. Teachers can also impart the fact that sex is a personal, individual choice, and is never something anyone should be forced into doing before they're 100% ready, often better than parents can, because while parents may have to fight to get their teenagers to sit down and listen for five minutes, teachers have them as a captive audience for at least forty-five. That doesn't mean the students have to listen, but there's a good chance they will. The truth is, the relationship between teenagers and their parents is volatile, and a wellmeaning lesson from a parent can easily strike the wrong note with their teenager and send them off to do exactly what they were just warned against, merely because something in their parents' tone or expression rubbed them the wrong way at that moment. Not all teenagers respect or like their teachers, and they don't always listen to them either, but the structure of an academic setting makes learning about sex easier, because there's no pressure for a student to respond to their teachers about how the lesson made them feel or what it made them think, the way there is in a one-on-one conversation with a parent. Teenagers are often stubborn, and are likely to do what they want or think they have to do, regardless, but if we can make sure that they know what they're getting into when they think about having sex, that they're aware of all the consequences and the fact that having sex is probably not the answer to all their problems, then we've done the best we can. Information is a safety net - it gives teenagers something they can be sure of in a world that is full of uncertainty for several years. Educating teenagers about sex in an informative way is the best way to ensure that they understand the seriousness of the decision to have sex, and the only way to make sure every teenager has this particular safety net of information is to provide them with it in school.

Should teens have sex education in schools? The first place where most students are first introduced to the concept of sex is at school. From a very young age peers begin to talk about the things which they see on the television and the lyrics that there hear in songs. These images as well as songs can create a great deal of curiosity in the minds youngsters and can sometimes lead to some unwanted consequences. However, no teenager should be left to learn about issues and matters on sex without the guidance of an experienced adult. Teenagers tend to be very curious about their sexuality as well as their ability as a sexual being, thus they tend to go on their own little adventures trying to uncover the mysteries of their bodies. The sexual urge which most teenagers experience are sometimes very hard ignore. However, if these teens go about engaging in sexual activity without a clear understanding of what they are doing, there can be some seriously harsh consequences such as sexual additions, unwanted pregnancies; acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (such as AIDS, herpes or gonorrhea) and many others which can adversely affect the individual in later life. Individuals should be informed of these matters in early teenage years or even before. Masturbation and pornography is also another issue faced by teenagers around the world. Also categorized as sexual activity, masturbation is a serious matter which teens must understand. It has been discovered by physiologists that a large percentage of all serial killers have had some background with pornography. Also, rapists tend to have some background or involvement with pornography which lead them to commit acts which not only degrades themselves but also places fear, shame and anger in the hearts of victims. Therefore it can be concluded that pornography can have some mental toll on young men and women and result in outrageous actions which negatively impact society. Seeming to be nothing but a personal form of pleasure, there have been several cases where as a result of pornography along with masturbation men loose their ability to perform when with a woman. In order for these men to attain an erection it is required that they view a pornographic image or video. This is a serious matter and so schools must find a way to inform teens about these consequences and take measures prevent such ill effects. I myself was informed about this case while attending a workshop on sex at my high school. Sexuality, is also a religious matter and due to the nature of this fact, religious schools must take it upon themselves to show their students the relationship between sex and their spiritually. Most people do not consider the fact that sexual activity has a spiritual side to it and has its dos and don'ts. There is primarily the case of fornication which is the act of sex before or outside of marriage. Considered a sin, it should be taught that one must wait until marriage before engaging in sexual activity. Sexual addictions are rarely naturally caused but come about when the individual exposes him/herself to acts which give the opportunity for other spirits to take possession of their body or create a spiritual bond between spirits. Therefore it is critical that religious schools teach such things to its students thus giving them the knowledge and power to prevent abnormal things from happening to them.

Also, parents tend to be so occupied with their jobs and other matters that many don't have time to discuss matters on sex in serious detail as they should. Some parents too are simply afraid to speak with their young teens on the matter as it in fact is a very sensitive topic. Therefore it is left up to the schools and other educational institutions to teach young teens about sex. This information can take the form of school clubs, magazines, workshops (which are most successful), lectures or other forms of presentation which can inform students in such a way that they understand and retain the information passed on to them. Overall, time must be taken to teach young teenagers about sex and the best channel for this venture is the institutions at which teenagers spend most of their day; school.

Schools exist to impart knowledge and skills. Sex is a fundamental fact of our existence. To ask if sex education should be taught in schools is to ask if human beings should be taught about human needs and necessities. Sex education can be taught in ways that are informative and non-threatening. Parents often leave these important lessons to "work themselves out', abandoning their children at a crucial point. Without important information, teens are subject to peer pressure, personal curiosity and rampaging hormones. Without knowing what to expect, how to stand up for their own sense of morals or how to make good sex-related choices, teens often fall victim to unwanted pregnancy and STDs. It is wrong to deny the sexuality of teens. To deny that sexuality is to tempt fate, to torment our young adults with fears, imaginings and rebellion and to deny the very nature of who we are. Sex is experienced by all humanity. It can have life-changing ramifications and is necessary for good health, happy relationships and a fulfilled self. Just because the law says a person is an adult at 18, or 21, doesn't mean that sex doesn't exist before that magic birthday. Sexual feelings occur in young teens and in elementary-aged children. This doesn't mean they are ready for the emotional or moral dilemma of sex. It means they are ready to gain knowledge that will help them. Just as schools teach teens how to read and write, to conduct basic math calculations, so should teens be taught about the physical reality of sex, about the consequences of irresponsible sex, and about what to expect and how to set personal boundaries. By educating teens about sex and sexuality, we are giving them the tools they need to make informed decisions, the ability to make better choices and to fulfill themselves more richly in their intimate relationships.

High schools should always include sex education in their curriculum. It seems silly to omit it, for reasons such as parents don't want other people teaching their teenagers about sex. It doesn't matter what parents think of this matter, because in this society, all teenagers should be taught the facts and consequences of having sex. Too many teens are having unprotected sex, too many abortions are happening, and too many babies are being born to parents that can't support them. It is a major problem in the United States, as well as other countries. There are various important reasons to introduce sex education to teens, and no teen should be sheltered from these lessons. For one, knowledge is wealth, especially regarding sex. People say ignorance is bliss, but not when it comes to sex. Teens should learn about sex, why we have it, and why we should use protection. They should learn that it is not an outlet to peruse with ease, rather, it is something to be considered seriously before acting on. Classes should be required of teens because it is a proven fact that kids with more knowledge on the subject will most often have a more enjoyable first sexual encounter. Kids who who are sheltered from learning about sexual orientation will engage in sex more easily and naively...and will probably be unfulfilled. Not only that, but they may find themselves in an unfortunate situation, with someone who they don't really want to be with. As long as schools include sex ed. classes, our society is one step closer to creating a more aware teen population. Aside from simply educating our teens about sex, it is important to understand that classes should be offered as a tool for direction. Some teens grow up with parents who address sex at an early age, while some teens never actually have the "talk" with their parents. Whichever road these kids go down, having an unbiased person educate them is important because it offers them a different perspective, and allows them to make smart decisions on their own. Classes should direct teens to approach their sexual orientation with confidence. On a personal level, I believe such classes should inform students that sex is not something to be taken lightly. There is no need to have sex with every boyfriend or girlfriend you ever have, if you don't want to. These days, many kids engage in sex because they feel it is a "cool" thing to do, or they feel forced. This is utterly wrong, and children should be taught that they have the ability to make smart decisions regarding sex, and schools should implement the teaching of such smart decisions. We would like to see teen pregnancies decrease, so high school sex ed. is practically a requirement. If nothing else, it will help already sexually active students gain some insight to their activities. Hopefully it will be informative enough so that students can buy condoms without feeling embarassed, have sex only when they feel it is "right", and feel that they can talk to their parents about it. The worst thing a parent can do is never talk to their child about sex, because most often than not that child will go on to have numerous sex partners and treat sex lightly. In doing this, they will just add to the already huge epidemic of unplanned pregnancies, abortions, and teen drop-outs due to pregnancy. Sex is an important part of the human race, and should be taught to students in the same way as any other subject. Hopefully, it will stop being taboo (because it still is to a slight degree) and start being accepted.

Would you let your Kindergarten student walk to school without knowing how to cross the street safely? Of course not. You would be risking his health and even his life by doing so. Allowing your teenager to socialize with his peers, in today's cultural milieu with its laissez-faire attitude, without a proper course in sex education is every bit as hazardous as turning a small child loose in traffic. Undoubtedly, the ideal place for sex education is the home. Unfortunately, even the best of parents are sometimes uncomfortable discussing the subject with their children. They may delay, waiting until the child asks questions. Before they realize it, the optimal time has come and gone. The child will be questioning, all right, but perhaps the wrong people. All kinds of misinformation is passed unwittingly between friends in the same age group. Some parents buy books for their teens to read, believing that all the questions will be addressed and answered by the volume's author. However, few teens these days are interested in reading as a leisure-time activity. The book may end up under the bed or lying unopened on a shelf in the closet. Even the best-written, most informative publication will do no good under these circumstances. Since accurate sex education is vital to the health and safety of every teenager, the school must assume the responsibility of delivering it. The basic factual information should be supplemented by parental perspectives, and moral guidelines from home, but even if this is not the case, the young people will at least have sufficient information, to keep themselves disease-free. Although abstinence from sexual activity until marriage should be presented as the ideal strategy, the students should also be taught how to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. In a perfect world, sex education would not be left until high school. In the Primary Grades a section of the Health curriculum, entitled "Family Life" should introduce the children to the proper names for body parts and explain how a baby grows inside its mother's uterus until it is ready to live on its own. This information would be presented within the context of a normal family, with textbook pictures of children with whom the students can identify. In the Junior Grades, as the children approach puberty, the boys and girls should be separated and each group given information as to what bodily changes they can expect to experience during the next few years, as they become young men and women. In the Eighth Grade, just before High School, again in separate groups, the students should be informed about physical changes their classmates of the opposite sex are undergoing. These lessons should be given in a matter-of-fact manner, using proper anatomical terms for the specific body parts involved. If these preparatory lessons have been presented to the students from the Primary Grades on, the sex education of teens would only be a continuation of an earlier curriculum. They will expect to be given correct and factual information, such as they have received in the past. They will receive it matter-of-factly and trust in its accuracy. It will be much more effective than if it were dropped on them suddenly, out of the blue. There should be no smirking, eye-rolling, giggling or

other unseemly behaviors because these latest lessons are only a grade-specific unit of a subject they have studied since Grade One, not unlike a Biology course in college. In summary, teens should definitely have sex education in school. These lessons will be most effective if they are built on a continuum of Family Life units presented throughout the elementary grades. When a school does not include sex education in its curriculum, it fails in its responsibility to ensure that each student grows into a healthy adult, who acts responsibly, and is free to attain his highest potential within the community.