§ Lord Northbourneasked Her Majesty's Government: Whether all children are being taught in school the responsibilities and consequences attendant on the conception of a child; and if so, whether they consider that this education is successful; and [HL326]
Whether they consider that young people are adequately educated and prepared for responsibilities of parenthood. [HL327]
§ Baroness Ashton of UphollandThrough personal, social and health education (PSHE) all pupils should learn about taking on responsibility and the consequences of their actions in relation to sexual activity and parenthood. Sex and relationship education should give young people a clear understanding of the arguments for delaying sexual activity. There has been a 10 per cent fall in the under-18 conception rate since 1998. This is an encouraging sign of progress in implementing the teenage pregnancy strategy, a key element of which is improved sex and relationship education.
The Government believe that parents are the principal providers of guidance about parenting and family life. The introduction of citizenship education alongside the PSHE framework, providing for pupils to be taught about responsibilities whether moral, social, or parental, 138WA effectively complement the personal and social development of pupils provided at home.