Poll reveals parental concerns about sex education as govt publishes guidance

Press release: Almost half of parents in England are concerned about what their children are being taught in relationships and sex education, polling commissioned by CARE shows.

The Savanta poll also suggests 4 in 10 parents have not been consulted on the content of lessons, despite this being a legal requirement. It comes as the UK Government begins consulting on new guidance.

The poll also indicates that:

• Almost half of parents who have requested to view RSE materials taught to their children had those requests denied.

• More than of half of parents are not sure that their child would be free from judgement if they expressed a view on RSE that was contrary to what was being taught.

• Four in ten parents know that their child’s school uses third-party organisations to deliver part of their child’s school’s RSE curriculum.

Jack Lawther, Policy Officer at CARE, said:

“One of the greatest predictors of life-long wellbeing is a happy childhood. Yet reports of contested and inappropriate content in RSE lessons have become common. We welcome the publication of new guidance, which rightly seeks to protect children from age-inappropriate content, and controversial concepts.

“Our polling, coupled with separate reports, demonstrates that many parents are in the dark about what’s being taught, and concerned about what their children might be being exposed to. It also suggests that more than three million children are receiving teaching on sex and relationships from unregulated, third-party organisations.

“It is very important that parents have access to sex education materials taught to their children, and schools have a legal duty to ensure that parents are consulted on the content of lessons. We’d also stress the importance of allowing children to voice their opinions and share any concerns they have about teaching materials.

“As the Government consults on its new guidance and considers its next steps, we’d call on Ministers to ensure that schools are complying with existing statutory duties, respecting parents’ role as the primary educators of their children and championing an environment where children and young people can share their views.”

ENDS

key statistics from the Savanta Poll

• 41% of parents confirmed that their school uses third-party organisations to deliver part of their school’s RSE curriculum (via either staff or provision of resources). *Out of 8 million students across primary and secondary school in England, this 41% would represent approximately 3.5 million children.

• 44% of parents who have requested to view RSE materials taught to their children have had those requests denied.

• 46% of parents express some form of concern about what their children are being taught in RSE.

• 52% of parents are not sure that their child would be free from judgement if/when expressing a view in the RSE classroom contrary to what is being taught.

• 36% of parents have never been consulted on the content of their child’s RSE curriculum, and a further 4% are unsure (despite this being a statutory requirement).

Key methodology points:

Savanta polled 1,001 parents in England who have children who are in primary or secondary school on behalf of CARE between 11th and 19th March 2024. Full data tables are available on request.

Notes for Editors

Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) is a social policy charity, bringing Christian insight to the policies and laws that affect our lives. Contact us: press@care.org.uk