HC Deb 17 December 2002 vol 396 cc741-2W
Mr. Wood

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps his Department plans to take to improve awareness of HIV and the need for better sexual health practices among younger people. [85671]

Mr. Stephen Twigg

Teaching about safer sex remains one of the Government's key strategies for reducing the incidence of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Strategies for teaching about HIV/AIDS are covered by our Sex and Relationship Education Guidance which was sent to all schools in July 2000. These include helping pupils to clarify their knowledge and enabling them to become effective users of services that help prevent and treat STIs and HIV.

A report earlier this year by the Office for Standards in Education recommended that coverage of HIV and AIDS in schools is enhanced. We have responded to the report by commissioning practical guidance for teachers on HIV and STIs.