PUPILS are to be taught about inappropriate sexual behaviours such as grooming, sexting and abusive relationships under a shake-up of the curriculum.
The new materials have been developed after pupils said they were learning more about issues of sex and sexual health from the internet rather than teachers.
Materials for younger pupils will begin discussions around issues such as holding hands with other pupils or whether they need to kiss a relative if it makes them feel uncomfortable.
Resources for the oldest pupils will deal with sex and the age of consent emphasizing that it is never too late to say “no” to a sexual act.
Pupils will be taught that any sexual activity with someone who is incapable of giving consent because they are drunk or have taken drugs is sexual assault or rape.
The Scottish Government said the new personal and social education (PSE) resources would ensure teachers had the material and support they needed to respond to the changing issues young people face in modern society.
The Government will also produce updated guidance for schools to improve the delivery of consent education and resources on the issue of sexual harassment, both in schools and online.
John Swinney, the Education Secretary, said: “Pupils have told us that PSE needs to be more relevant, empathetic and informative and must reflect the issues facing young people today.
“Updated consent education will be stage and age appropriate, will involve young people in the design and delivery of classes and will deliver more consistent teaching at all levels.
“The recommendations will also ensure a high standard of learning and support in mental, physical and emotional wellbeing and will give pupils greater access to mental health support.”
Stephen McCabe, education spokesman for council umbrella body Cosla, added: “PSE is an important element of the work schools across Scotland are involved in everyday to ensure children develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need now and in the future for mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing.”
The changes are being made after a review of PSE in Scotland found teaching to be inconsistent and inadequate.
In 2017, MSPs on Holyrood’s education committee uncovered evidence that for some young people sex education came from the internet, including pornography, due to a lack of adequate provision within school.
It also found the issue of sexual consent was not covered consistently in classes.
A total of 16 recommendations for change were made as a result of the review, with Mr Swinney saying these had all been accepted by the Scottish Government.
Ross Greer, education spokesman for the Scottish Greens, who pressed for the committee to carry out the initial investigation, welcomed the changes.
He said: “PSE is crucial to every young person’s education, helping them with everything from relationships to their mental health.
“I know that in reality it is often seen as an afterthought though and wildly inconsistent delivery across the country is badly failing hundreds of thousands of young people.
“Action on this was the first thing I called for after my election, putting this process in motion, so I’m satisfied to see the progress we’ve made.”
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