Sex education ‘vital for children’s safety’

Tony Lloyd speaking at a Greater Manchester child sexual exploitation seminar

Failure to teach compulsory sex education and tackle modern-day topics such as sexting and online grooming, is putting our children at risk, says police commissioner Tony Lloyd.

The Greater Manchester interim mayor and commissioner was speaking in advance of the screening of “SEXT”, a short film developed by local young people about child sexual exploitation, consent and online safety.

Mr Lloyd said: “It’s vital we equip our young people with the means to keep safe in the modern world.

“Sex and relationship education must be made compulsory in all schools and it must evolve with the times, teaching young people about sexting, online grooming, revenge porn, honour violence, child sexual exploitation, forced marriage, and cyberbullying.

“Young people are demanding this kind of safety information and even going as far as making educational films of their own to help explore the issues for themselves and inform their peers. Our mainstream educational provision must supplement and support this.”

Mr Lloyd’s comments challenge Education Secretary Nicky Morgan’s recent rejection of MPs’ calls to make sex education compulsory in all schools.

Mr Lloyd added: “Despite reports of sexting epidemics and calls from charities, campaigners and politicians, the Government seems determined to bury its head in the sand over these issues and is once again refusing to act. It’s not just about teaching the birds and the bees any more, it’s about the basic obligation we have to protect our young people.”