StarTribune.com
sex102408
SearchSearch: Manage your Star Tribune subscription Manage subscription  |  Vacation stop

On the homepage

Vita.mn

Art Brut at Triple Rock

Out There

Club Outdoors

Wisconsin buck could set world record

Franni Franken

Forceful Franni Franken embraces new life on Hill

Home | Lifestyle | Health + Wellness

Britain expands sex-education requirements

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

E-mail this storyE-mail this story
Save to del.icio.usSave to del.icio.us
Share on FacebookShare on Facebook
Share on DiggShare on Digg

More from Health + Wellness

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

Recent Health + Wellness stories

Tips for buying locally-grown meat - October 23, 2008
Tips for buying locally-grown meat - Don't expect any BOGOs if you're switching to locally raised meat, but buyers say the health and taste benefits outweigh higher costs. More

Comment on this story   |   Read all 7 comments   |  Hide reader comments

Subscribe
Shopping + Classifieds
On Sale Calendar

Know More. Save More!

Check out sales advertised in Star Tribune. This is your one stop for savings. Updated daily. Go now!
Yellow Pages

Get A Professional

Find home maintenance, car repair, legal advice, cleaning, and more in the Yellow Pages. Go now!
Contests
contest image

Win tickets to the Walker After Hours/Preview Party event.

Join Vita.mn for the Walker After Hours/Preview Party event at Walker Art Center on Nov. 20. The party will feature DJ Scott Stulen, Lookbook in Gallery 8, film screenings, exhibition previews not yet open to the public and more.

See all contests