PM says that 'as a parent' he believes parents should know content of sex ed lessons

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said that “as a parent” he believes it is important that parents know what material children are being taught in schools in sex education.

Controversy around relationships and sex education has hit the news in the last few days after Miriam Cates presented a report to the Prime Minister outlining a number of areas of concern, including children as young as 12 being asked what they thought of anal sex, and 13-year-olds being taught that there are more than 100 genders. Mrs Cates has called for any investigation to be done externally, rather than by the Department of Education.

Sunak said: “I was concerned by the reports that I’ve seen, and that’s why it’s important that we review this and get it right.

“These materials are obviously sensitive. I speak as a parent, first and foremost, rather than a politician. It’s important that it’s age-appropriate and it’s important that parents know what’s going on and have access to those materials. If that’s not happening, then we need to make sure that it is and that’s why it’s right that we do a proper review of the situation.”

Sunak launched a review into the materials being taught in schools last week.

He also talked about the Online Safety Bill, citing his own daughter having just got her first mobile phone. “My elder daughter just got her own phone last year - a big moment in our house and it brings home exactly what’s going on every time I see her on it. And every parent will feel the same.

“That new Bill, when it becomes law, gives Ofcom all the powers it needs, means we can regulate what children are being exposed to. We have proper age control.”

The Online Safety Bill has repeatedly been pushed back, and CARE has called on the government to introduce it as soon as possible to safeguard vulnerable teenagers and children.