§ Mr. Keith BradleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what arrangements his Department has made to ensure co-ordination of the teenage sexual health strategy with the Department of Health's sexual health strategy; [145188]
(2) if he will take steps to ensure sex education teaching in schools takes full account of the Department of Health's teenage sexual health strategy. [145190]
§ Mr. Stephen Twigg[holding answer 5 January 2004]:The Teenage Pregnancy Strategy and the Sexual Health Strategy are closely co-ordinated to raise young people's awareness of sexual health issues, improve sexual health and promote choice. A shared feature of both strategies 301W is the national campaign which targets young people, and improved availability of sexual health services and access to them.
Teaching about sexual health and safer sex are key elements of the Government's sexual health strategy and are covered by our Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) Guidance which was sent to all schools in July 2000. Through SRE pupils learn about sexual health, contraception and the range of advice and support services which are available. Young people should be made aware of the risks of contracting a STI and know about prevention, diagnosis and treatment.