Britain expands sex-education requirements

Last update: October 23, 2008 - 10:57 PM

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It's a controversial idea in a land known for prudishness about sex -- teaching kids as young as 5 about the birds and bees. But with one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in Europe, the British government is bringing sex education to all schools in England -- including kindergarten-age children.

"It's vital that this information doesn't come from playground rumor or the mixed messages from the media about sex," Schools Minister Jim Knight said Thursday.

The government hasn't detailed the new curriculum, but schools will be asked to provide lessons on relationships and contraception, topics not previously required. Lessons will become more sophisticated as kids get older.

"We are not talking about 5-year-old kids being taught sex," Knight said. "What we're talking about for key Stage 1 [ages 5-7] is children knowing about themselves, their differences, their friendships and how to manage their feelings."

ASSOCIATED PRESS

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