Children are learning about sex from pornography as schools fail to provide proper sex education, MPs warn

Children are turning to pornography and social media to learn about sexual health as schools fail to provide adequate sex education, MPs have warned.

Unconventional sources expose pupils to an “unacceptable risk of harm” at a time when rates of sexually transmitted diseases are rising, the all-party women and equalities committee added.

The committee blamed the trends on an “absence of authoritative counselling” and called for sex and relationship education to be provided up to the age of 18.

Additionally, the benefits of condom use “must be a key part of the curriculum” to curb the spread of disease as their use is declining, MPs said.

The committee’s latest report, published today, says: “In schools, there is compelling evidence that relationships and sexuality education (RSE) is failing young people.”

Conservative MP Caroline Nokes (pictured), who heads the women and equalities committee, said: “Sexual health services are at a critical point. The 2022 data on STIs is a wake-up call and should encourage everyone to do better.”

‘In the absence of authoritative advice, young people are learning about sex and sexual health through online sources, social media and pornography. This exposes children to an unacceptable risk of harm.’

The committee criticized the Government for “failing to heed warnings” about cuts to funding for sexual health services.

He said funding has been reduced year on year, while infection rates have increased.

The latest figures on STIs in England, described as “deeply worrying” and a “red flag” by the committee, show there were 392,453 new diagnoses in England in 2022, which is more than 1,000 every day and a 23% increase. .8 percent. percent compared to 2021.

Conservative MP Caroline Nokes, who chairs the women and equalities committee, said: “Sexual health services are stretched thin.

“The 2022 STI data is a wake-up call and should encourage everyone to do better.”