In the latest tactic to obfuscate and create division just in time for the election, this month it’s teachers being pitted against parents over classes teaching heath, relationships and sex education.

The headlines have been awash with quotes from parents saying their children have been upset learning the scientific names for “private parts”, accompanying the rampant fearmongering from politicians whose interest in the state school system usually starts and ends with how much funding they can cut without the entire system collapsing, safe in the knowledge the private education of their children will remain unaffected.

In light of this debate, especially considering the Scottish Government are rebuilding the framework through which schools teach relationships, sexual health and parenthood (RSHP), I think it’s important to talk about why sex education is essential to the health, wellbeing and safety of all children.

At primary school my class was taught about our bodies, and our families. It was benign, but important information, to know that some people had a mum and dad, some only one parent, some no parents at all, some two mums or dads, some a blended household, a multigenerational one, or any other wonderful and valid configurations that can comprise a family.

As I got older and the information became relevant, the concepts of sex, pregnancy, and how to engage in safe, respectful intimacy were introduced. Naturally, the lesson was hideously awkward, but entirely essential. There was a box, where we could anonymously ask questions about anything we liked, which ended up gathering together the myriad conspiracy theories and urban legends teenagers are wont to share.

We learnt that no, having sex in the dark is not an effective way to prevent pregnancy, sperm don't sleep at night, fizzy drinks don't function as a spermicide so pouring them into a vagina after sex won't achieve anything, except potentially thrush.

Other myths to be debunked taught us that sex standing up won't prevent pregnancy, the pull-out method isn’t always reliable, and that thanks to modern medicine, with the right treatment, AIDS more often than not is no longer a death sentence. We learnt that consent is essential, that nobody had the right to touch us, pressure us or prioritise their libido over our safety and comfort. Simple stuff, but powerful.

Why is it so important to ensure complete and comprehensive sex education happens at school, outwith the home? While most parents should, and do, play an active and positive role in educating young people about sex and relationships, it’s important to acknowledge that 90% of children who experience sexual abuse reported being abused by a family member, or someone they know.

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It’s horrific to imagine and discuss these hypothetical scenarios, but for thousands of children across the country, it is their reality. Some young people, particularly those seeking information about how to stay safe in same-sex relationships, may not feel comfortable discussing sex or relationships with their parents if they feel they might judge, punish or harm them.

Learning about the existence of same-sex relationships and sexual intercourse ensures that for young people who do end up in situations where this information is required, they, just like their classmates, can go through life feeling more empowered, safe, healthy, and happy.

In my classes about sex and relationships, as in every class, there was a broad range of experience with the topic: some people were well aware of sex, having been educated by their families, some had absolutely no prior knowledge, and some were already having sex.

Sadly, it is highly likely that most classrooms will contain students who have experienced, or will experience sexual abuse. It is estimated by the NSPCC that 1 in 20 children in the UK have been sexually abused, although the true amount is thought to be much higher due to the nature of the crime and potential barriers to reporting. It can happen to any child, at any time and start at any age.

Education is empowerment. Knowing the correct names for genitalia, understanding that your body belongs to you and that you have a right not to be touched inappropriately is fundamental in the fight against child sexual abuse. Using euphemisms for body parts might seem benign, or protective of a child's innocence, but dissuading them from using scientifically accurate language can inadvertently reinforce shame and stigma, precluding children from conveying information about any issues they might have.

This doesn't have to be related to abuse, but any medical concerns they might have. Maintaining the neutrality of every body part makes it easier for children to articulate issues as and when they arise, and easier for adults to immediately understand these concerns. A trusted adult might not pick up on a child with limited ability to articulate themselves telling them about “cookies”, “flowers”, “noodles”, or whatever familial euphemism a child might be using for genitalia, leaving them unable to recognise a child trying to express genuine issues that could require medical or legal intervention, allowing problematic and potentially dangerous situations to go unaddressed.

If we can teach kids to identify their heads, shoulders, knees and toes, we should also be able to teach them about penises, vaginas, vulvas, testicles and breasts. Children should know what the parts of the body are, how to identify and care for them, and be taught that these words aren’t rude or naughty. As part of the UN Rights of the Child, children have the right to protection from sexual abuse and exploitation. Part of this protection includes effectively prosecuting those who abuse and exploit children; however we must also ensure young people are informed about their bodies, consent, and who to tell if their boundaries are violated in order to keep them as safe as possible.

Classes on consent are a great first step, but we also need to put support in place if this consent is breached. Teaching young people about things like domestic abuse and rape may seem daunting, but giving them tools to prevent, escape, report and survive abusive situations can drastically improve outcomes.

Unfortunately, people are never too young to experience abuse, so making certain that clear strategies are in place if and when this occurs can ensure proper support is more quickly and easily accessed. Recognising abuse, particularly emotional abuse and coercive control, can be incredibly difficult without the proper information, leading survivors to blame themselves, and remain in situations detrimental to their health and wellbeing. Giving young people these tools is effective both on an individual and societal level, and helps tackle ingrained attitudes precluding survivors from accessing support, and preventing perpetrators from receiving consequences.

The Herald:

Establishing a safe, neutral space for young people to learn how to keep themselves safe is essential. In order to best safeguard and protect young people from unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections or preventable injury, having age appropriate, scientifically informed, inclusive, and comprehensive education available about sex and relationships is essential.

Every young person has a right to know how to keep themselves, and their sexual partners safe and protected. Young people need to be able to articulate problems they might face in order to access help with them, and they have a right to the kind of robust, comprehensive education that can help keep them safe, happy, and protected from harm.