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Brook welcomes this invaluable research which helps us to better understand young people’s needs when it comes to relationships and sex education (RSE).
The study shows that young people today are taking part in a wider range of sexual practices, such as oral and anal sex, with opposite-sex partners compared to 20 years ago.
Brook finds tabloid claims around the study unhelpful and we know from our direct work with young people that they want and need sex education that is fit for the 21st Century and promotes equal, happy relationships and LGBTQ+ equality.
Lead Author Dr Ruth Lewis says:
“By shedding light on when some young people are having sex and what kinds of sex they are having, our study highlights the need for accurate sex and relationships education that provides opportunities to discuss consent and safety in relation to a range of sexual practices. This will equip young people with the information and skills they need to maximise their wellbeing from the outset of their sexual lives.”
Brook currently delivers RSE to 12% of secondary schools in England and we know that young people want and need age and stage appropriate RSE that fits within a wider PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) curriculum.
We urge government to take these latest findings into consideration as the new RSE guidance is being developed, ahead of its mandatory status in September 2019.
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.
Read our Strategic Plan 2017-2020 and learn more about the difference we make in our latest Success Report.
