Brook statement on the Sexual Behaviours Traffic Light Tool

Published: 5 November 2014

Reacting to the articles about the Sexual Behaviours Traffic Light Tool, Brook’s CEO Simon Blake OBE said:

It is disappointing that some journalists have not taken the time to fully understand the Sexual Behaviours Traffic Light Tool and have instead written confused, inaccurate and sensational articles without seeking clarity from Brook. 

The tool is not designed for sex and relationships education. The tool along with the guidance and training package makes it clear this is a safeguarding tool for use by professionals to understand more about the sexual behaviour and development of young people and respond appropriately to different behaviours. It is not a diagnostic tool and each category has supporting information to help understand whether the behaviour is a safeguarding issue.

The tool includes sexual activity as a red activity in the 9-13 age category and a green activity in the 13-17 age category. The age categories overlap because there is a spectrum of normal behaviour. Professionals working with young people need help to understand that and respond appropriately. The tool is designed to help them do that.

The Sexual Behaviours Traffic Light Tool is evidence-based, developed by experts. It is supported by the people and organisations who know most about healthy and non-healthy sexual development in the UK. It does not condone or encourage particular behaviours, nor is it about the law relating to sexual behaviour. It is clear professionals must use the tool "within the context of their own policies, legal frameworks and competencies". The training and guidance contains a full section on the law. 

Safeguarding is an important and complex subject that must not be sensationalised. Most young people under the age of 16 do not have sex. Those that do need appropriate help, advice and support from well trained professionals. 

For media enquiries please contact Brook's press office on 07789 682831 or email press@brook.org.uk

Notes to editors

Brook believes that young people should have access to great sexual health services and wellbeing support.

Brook provides free and confidential sexual health information, contraception, pregnancy testing, advice and counselling, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and education programmes, reaching nearly 235,000 young people nationwide every year.
 
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