Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) has been compulsory for all Secondary Schools in England since 2020. Guidance in place for the teaching of RSE sets out what schools should do, and their legal duties, when teaching Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex and Health Education.
Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) has been compulsory for all Secondary Schools in England since 2020. Guidance in place for the teaching of RSE sets out what schools should do, and their legal duties, when teaching Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex and Health Education. Associate solicitor and family law expert Heather Lyon looks at the aims of the new rules.
The RSE Guidance has now been updated following research which shows that exposure to harmful online content has increased. In the Government comment regarding the update, they said that “research showed that over a third of pupils aged 11-19 had heard comments that made them worry about girls’ safety. Research also found that over one in five girls aged 7 to 10 had seen inappropriate images online, with the average age for exposure to pornography being 13”. The Update will come into effect from September 2026.
The aim of the update is to help schools provide age-appropriate education on Relationships, Sex and Health Education. This includes topics such as online safety, sexual ethics, and AI awareness. It is hoped that this can bring awareness to issues such as indecent images online, deepfakes and online scams. Schools will engage with parents regarding the content they are teaching, and materials will also be available to parents to continue the education at home.
As it is age-appropriate, the education provided will differ depending on the school year of the child. Primary school will be focused on positive relationships between family and friends whereas Secondary school will be focused on consent, kindness and respect. The Government have confirmed that teachers will receive proper training to handle this in a sensitive manner. Training grants will be available for schools to help staff manage this with confidence.
Dame Nicole Jacobs, who is the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, has commented regarding this. This update is important for anyone dealing with domestic abuse. Dame Nicole has commented upon this update as a step forward to protect children and victims. I can only echo her views in saying that it is refreshing to see that the Government have listened to victims and taken action to ensure that awareness is raised for those of school age.
We know that there is a worrying amount of content online that promotes misogynistic behaviour, and harm against women. This guidance and support through schools should help raise awareness for those who are young and therefore more vulnerable to being led by this content, thinking that it is normal or acceptable. The education provided to children will mean that they are able to develop positive relationships and a healthy attitude towards relationships from a young age.
Dame Nicole goes further and says that if we are going to stop abusive behaviours, then we also need funding for the specialist domestic abuse sector, within the Violence against Women and Girls Strategy. I remain hopeful that given the recent updates and changes we will see this funding in the near future.
I do think that if correct training is given to teachers, and if the education is carried out in the correct way, this will have a positive impact. As Dame Nicole has said; we can create a future where people feel safe and respected.