§ Mr. GerrardTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what research her Department has conducted into the levels of awareness of HIV/AIDS among 10 to 24-year-olds between 1987 and 2002. [58784]
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§ Mr. Ivan LewisThe Department for Education and Skills has not conducted research into the level of awareness of HIV/AIDS among young people. However, the Department of Health funds a four monthly tracking survey of young people aged 13 to 21 as part of the evaluation of the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy. This has consistently shown that 96 per cent. of those surveyed are aware of HIV/AIDS.
A recent report by the Office for Standards in Education recommended that the coverage of HIV and AIDS in schools is enhanced. We have responded to the report by commissioning practical guidance for teachers on HIV and sexually transmitted infections.
§ Mr. GerrardTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average age is at which children in the UK learn about HIV/AIDS in school; and what guidelines are given to teachers on the context of such sessions. [58783]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisTeaching about HIV, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases will normally be introduced to pupils at Key Stage 3 (ages 11 to 14).
Strategies for teaching about HIV/AIDS are covered by our Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) Guidance which was sent to all schools in July 2000. The guidance makes clear that SRE should be firmly rooted in the framework of Personal, Social and Health Education, to ensure that young people learn to respect themselves and make responsible and well informed decisions about their lives.