Something potentially very important regarding sex Ed in schools

I want to see trans issues being taught as part of a sex Ed curriculum. But whilst I'm dreaming, I'd like a manticore.

nuffaluff

What do you think aimed at the class is probably a good one.

My children's secondary school appear to be getting around this one by just allowing other children to express their viewpoints. Children are always going to be quicker to spot the emperor with his clothes off.

My kids say the child who I would class as 'disruptive little shit' is never shut up for loudly stating his right to biological facts and his human right to freedom of speech to do say. On all other occasions he's justifying his disruptive behaviour on the grounds of freedom of speech/human rights BMT are called to collect him.

My daughter at 6th form has been set the task over the holidays of 'studying linguistics on mumsnet' I've just realised the teacher is probably trying to peak trans a few so 👋 to her and well played, very well played!

Sex Ed teacher here - many high schools are doing a lot of this already.
We cover consent massively (the cup of tea video is often as a starter), healthy and unhealthy relationships, dangers of pornography, different types of relationships- had a Stonewall speaker in school for instance, sexting, grooming, peer pressure, body image, effects on mental health etc..
The biggest issue is time - 1 hour slot every 2 weeks is simply not enough to cover everything that we need to.

Nuffaluff, would it be possible to try something along the lines my chemistry teacher used (in a much more legitimate context, in regard of the oversimplification of atomic theory necessary at GCSE)? "I'm teaching you this really over-simplified version because you're little, but the real world is much more complicated, and in real life people of both sexes have a mixture of interests rather than blue and pink brains... in fact some people don't even think there are blue and pink brains." Or would that get you into trouble in our Brave New Orwellian World?

YY to including information on abusive relationships - and red flags (coercive control, won't let you see your friends, limits the time you spend with your family). There's a terrifyingly high percentage of girls in secondary school already experiencing intimate partner violence.

Also stuff on sexual harrassment. "Would you say this (nice arse, show us your tits love, etc) to a boy? If not, don't say it to girls either."

And stuff on avoiding victim blaming.

There was a tv show a few years ago which had some good ideas like making the boys shave their pubes to make them question what girls are expected to do.
I think information on abusive relationships should be included too.

Another one here who thinks Prickly's post is bloody brilliant.

Actually, please tell children that they can't change sex. Small children believe their teachers. Even some teenagers genuinely think you can become the other sex (not gender).
Shit. I am a teacher and I'm dreading this. The problem is we will be told what we have to teach. It depends who's advising on this - most likely if will be a transactivist group.
Materials I have seen on this forum have been awful. Full of pink and blue brains and being born into the wrong body. We will be expected to teach things that are made up as if it is scientific fact.
That's me looking on the black side hopefully.

Would also add, sex and relationships with regards to those with learning disabilities needs addressing, especially around consent.

Great thread. Yes agree to Prickly being nominated!

Sooooo how do we enter into this consultation? Write to Justine Greening? I am also very interested in making a real contribution as this is just so important for our kids.

I think it will be interesting to discuss the science being taught and the terminology - yet again, another place where the trans activist agenda is going to fall down. The government surely cannot send such mixed messages as self-id is fine but then teach real science - as I hope they realise.

I second the nomination Persian!
I hereby confirm that the post of Sex Education Adviser to Schools goes to PricklyBall

Congratulations

I'd also, as we're making a long list of "shoulds", add on the fetishisation of lesbian sex.

The idea of a "sex change" has led to kids (and possibly adults, but I've only seen children/teenagers say it) thinking that this is literally possible, and not only will result in a change of sex, but a fertile change.
As in, a transperson will begin to produce the opposite sex gametes.
The accuracy of this needs to be spelt out in very short sentences.

Apart from that addition, I'm voting for prickly's list

Homophobia. It's not just getting thumped because you're holding hands in public with your girlfriend, it's also being told that your genital preference is a fetish and if you try hard enough you'll enjoy sucking dick.

I thought that was what you meant, but it does seem worth being pedantic about this one!

Lancelottie
Actually, please tell children that they can't change sex
Of course. That what I meant. The conflation of the two is so common that Im now doing it myself!!

Actually, please tell children that they can't change sex. Small children believe their teachers. Even some teenagers genuinely think you can become the other sex (not gender).

Apart from that: consent; mechanics; safety; consent; childbirth; consent; contraception; mutual enjoyment; and stopping if not everyone is enjoying it, aka ongoing consent.

I nominate Prickly for the job of Sex Education Adviser to Schools

BonjourMinou Agree with Prickly and you. I would add please dont tell children they can change gender

There are some very good independent charities who are delivering Prickly's list and some. This should be their time to shine.

One of my friends is an educator in one such charity, the issue she runs in to time and time again is schools who like what they have to offer but can't afford to pay for the sessions. When schools are tightening the purse strings, SRE is often one of the first places they look to cut money from. You could argue that teachers could deliver the sessions themselves but I think SRE deserves to be taught by people who are specifically trained to teach it.

*taught.

I agree with everything on prickly's list, but i heard on the radio this morning that transgender issues will also be covered and that the lesson will become compulsory. I'm all for children learning about consent, i think it's desperately needed, but i'm worried about them being tough regressive stuff about gender roles without me there to counteract it.
Up until now i thought i could at least opt them out of that lesson.