Sex education in schools: an introductory study following recent changes in the law

Sharing here an introductory study on sex education in schools in light of recent changes in the law. The focus of this study is the legal aspects arising from the recent developments, though they also present wider questions.

The changes have received limited public attention and little apparent discourse amongst lawyers - perhaps unsurprising in the midst of Covid-19. I had not realised they were coming until they landed, and as a parent I was concerned to learn I had lost legal rights without knowing it.

Thematically, the changes in the UK are part of a global shift - a shift away from ‘age appropriate sex education’ and towards ‘comprehensive sexuality education’, in the pursuit of a range of policy objectives. This has wide-reaching implications as to what and how children are taught about sex and from what age, and for the legal rights and agency of parents/guardians. Aspects are open to challenge by lawyers and others.

I share the study as a (non-academic) resource for those wishing to be aware of and evaluate the changes and their genesis and implications, and perhaps to prompt discussion. Not about morality or some such, but between parents/carers and schools, and about legal rights, legality and governance in respect of the sex education of children.

A range of legal questions arising are presented in the study, along with the legal backdrop.

To input or otherwise engage, please get in touch here or comment on the LinkedIn post here.