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Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) was made a mandatory topic in 2017 with cross-party support. In 2019, 538 MPs voted in favour of the guidance which had widespread support from organisations across health, education, safeguarding and faith groups.

The guidance is now being reviewed. We want the Government to take an evidence-based approach and use this opportunity to build on the 2019 guidance so that it is a practical tool for teachers so that they can provide the RSHE that children and young people want and need. 

High-quality RSHE is needed now more than ever

The need for inclusive, high-quality RSHE has not gone away. Since 2019 many of the problems it addresses have become more acute including safeguarding children online and off; young people’s poor mental and sexual health; exposure to extreme pornography; misogyny, sexual bullying and harassment; and increasing threats to LGBT+ people.  

Children and young people are growing up in an increasingly complex world. The evidence is clear that good RSHE is vital to keep them safe, healthy and thriving. 

Find out more about the evidence for inclusive RSHE

What needs to happen next to improve the quality of RSHE?

WAYS to get involved

1. Sign our online pledge

I stand up for high-quality, inclusive Relationships Sex and Health Education (RSHE) that empowers children and young people to thrive. 

As the Government updates its RSHE guidance, I stand for RSHE that is:  

• Protective – keeping children and young people safe in today’s digital era 
• Developmentally appropriate –  and responsive to the questions children ask, and to current and emerging issues 
• Empowering – celebrating healthy relationships, not just addressing risk and harm 
• Inclusive – Relevant to all students and reflective of the whole community 
• Evidence-based – informed by research and by children and young people’s experiences 
• Effective –  focusing on life skills and open discussion as well as factual knowledge 
• Professional – taught by trained teachers and supported by specialists 
• Engaged with parents and carers – to ensure RSE meets the needs of families

See who has already pledged

2. Share this web page

3. Send a letter to your MP

As the Government redrafts the RSHE guidance, and MPs prepare to debate the future of LGBT+ inclusive RSE, please encourage your MP to get involved. It’s important that MPs know their constituents support high-quality RSHE.

You can email your MP directly via the Write to Them website by putting in your postcode. We have provided some sample text that you can adapt to let them know why you want them to support high-quality RSHE.

signatories

Signatories include…

As a parent of someone who identifies as non binary, I know that the RSE they received at school made them feel confused and frightened. The overriding messages they received were that everyone wanted to have sex , with someone of the opposite sex (which they don’t, regardless of what sex their partner may be). This was at a stage in their life when they were working out who they were, and wondering why behaviour and opinions being voiced by others didn’t make sense to them. An RSE curriculum which was more inclusive of LGBTQ+ people would have helped them feel less “weird”, and helped them discover their own identity and validate their own views.
It seems to me that in some ways things are going backwards when it comes to RSE in schools. Around 20 years ago I used to be a childminder, working mainly with pre school children. The training at the time was inclusive and I made sure that I had resources that reflected the different relationships that exist e.g. families with same sex parents. The local library had a good selection of developmentally appropriate books that supported this, and it wasn’t an issue. It makes me feel sad that so many people might complain about this today.

Michelle

It is essential for the emotional, sexual and physical wellbeing of young people.

Lottie (young person)

High-quality relationships and sex education is so important.

Young people have the right to have evidence-based, appropriate and inclusive advice about their relationships and sex given by safe and trusted adults. It’s important that this advice gives them what they need to make informed choices, but also helps them to understand how to navigate healthier relationships and their wellbeing – both with others and with themselves.

Leila, London

It’s important that we have access to information to empower us when making decisions relating to our body.

Chloe, Liverpool

As a parent, I would love my children to make having the right information. Having the right information ensures that the decision they make is knowing what can happen and they be prepared

Parent, Walsall

LGBTQ+ folks experience romantic and sexual relationships a lot differently than their non-queer counterparts and I think a large part of this is because of the lack of education around it. My personal experience in school was having a very superficial, surface-level lecture on several types of sexual intercourse with an emphasis on protection (the only strong point) and STI & morbidity statistics in the hopes of deterring us from exploring our sexual identities too much. This took place in a heteronormative environment where all examples provided took place between a biological male and female. I do not even remember penetrative anal intercourse being touched on (even if it did, I imagine it being done so in a discouraging/shameful context). There were no educational materials portraying homosexual couples or intimacy… it was like it didn’t really exist. We were free to submit questions anonymously (another good option) but I remember some of them being dismissed because the teacher perceived them as having a lack of maturity. It is not my hope that youth receive LGBTQ+ inclusive RSE as a means to “confuse” or “encourage” cishet youth to “become queer” (no amount of heteronormative SRE could do this for me…); however, I do hope this type of education could help the LGBTQ+ youth feel less alienated, alone, and afraid. LGBTQ+ RSE does not “turn” straight or cisgender youth gay or transgender; rather, it helps already queer youth build self-esteem and empowers them to make safe, healthy decisions in their daily lives (which will likely reduce cost of therapy, treatment for STIs, etc. down the road!)

Ty

I grew up under section 28 and had no education of or even reference to LGBT relationships or sex at school. I spent 20 years of my adult life trying to be straight because that’s how I thought I should be, I was ashamed of who I was. I came out at 40, but this could have happened much sooner if things had been different.
I now have a female partner who lives with me and my daughter. I want my daughter to see her family represented at school and I want all young people to have high-quality RSE so they can be free to be who they are and make well informed choices.

Catherine (parent and teacher)

I am a married, gay disabled man, who grew up under Section 28. Inclusive, frank and open sex education that didn’t make me feel ashamed of who I was becoming would have been so much more helpful and affirming.

Emmett (parent), London

I’m bisexual, had suspicions in my mid teens and explored in my late teens, but kept it hidden for several years as I was kind of embarrassed, I’d never really knew there was such a thing of being bisexual. Sex education was pretty much nonexistent at my school. I think everyone, hetero or queer, should have at the very least the basic knowledge of all forms of sexual relations.

Lee (parent), Sheffield

We are in 2024 and should not be having this conversation. Love is love, end of. Young people need to understand all aspects of different types of sexualities so that they can better understand themselves.

Zoe, Truro

RSHE and queer sex Ed are important to me, I am a school leader and my daughter is not straight.

Andrew (teacher and parent)

As a teacher and parent I feel the best way to protect young people from damaging, life-changing decisions depends on their level of education and ability to speak up about their issues and concerns.

Anna (parent and teacher)

It is absolutely essential!

Becca (parent), Wigan

I completely agree with everything on the pledge, the delivery of the lessons needs improving, I am very pleased to see the idea of celebrating healthy relationships on top of risks and harm, it’s important to discuss the positives instead of just a scare mongering approach! Furthermore, considering the digital element for young people!
Really great pledge and happy to stand with it!

Ellie (young person), Bristol

High-quality RSE has been an overlooked area of the school curriculum that is allowing the perpetuation of a society that lacks knowledge around consent, safe sex, and the importance of relationships in our day to day lives. Teaching children the skills they need to communicate about sex, understand their bodies, and form nurturing relationships will encourage them to form healthy relationships, understand their sexualities, and feel empowered in their individual identities. We cannot tackle social issues like rape culture and domestic violence without high-quality RSE.

Willow (teacher and young person), Chester

i feel RSE is the only way we can empower young people to protect themselves from unwanted STIs and pregnancies, especially when they are at sexual debut as this could affect their relationship with sexual health going forward. Knowledge is power and the English curriculum is not at half speed so neither should relationships and sex education.

Harry

High-quality RSE is essential for the safety and sell-being of all young people. It is central to safeguarding, and is especially important for LGBTQIA+ people who may otherwise have a lack of access to safe, developmentally appropriate sources for the information they need to conduct healthy relationships as young people and into adulthood.
I care deeply about the well-being of LGBTQIA+ young people, and so I adamantly support high-quality RSE.

Abi (young person), London

Because sensitive and high quality sex education enables children to make informed choices and thus keep themselves safe and have more control over their lives.

Jane (parent), Leamington Spa

I work with children and young people who are increasingly informing me of concerning issues. I have been assisting young people to be equipped with RSE information. I believe that better awareness and teaching in this area would lower the chances of young people finding themself in difficult situations that I have been so commonly told about.

Bethany (parent and teacher)

It helps young people develop healthy relationships with their peers and themselves. High quality RSE creates a safe environment for young people to learn about relationships and sexuality, as is developmentally or age appropriate.

Bobbi, London

Sexual minorities deserve to be seen and have their experiences spoken about regarding sex and relationships. Until we make it the norm, there will always be bias!

Jess (parent)

everyone deserves the ability to make informed choices about their body.

Katie, Manchester

I am in charge of RSE in a large secondary school and know how vital this is to enable students to create safe, informed futures.

Rachel (teacher)

I have worked in the domestic and sexual violence sector supporting victims for 10 years. When working with young people as well as adults they struggle to understand and recognise coercion and how to boundaries assertively. They need to understand how to manage and express emotions in a healthy and pro social way to reduce mental health needs and reduce harm to others. This needs to be taught in schools so everyone has access. How can we expect to have well adjusted adults in society if we don’t teach it.

Emily

Having spent a solid decade as a psychotherapist in high schools, I can say with certainty that an improved RSHE program for students would have a positive impact on their mental health and reduce negative experiences for young people. Because education is key.
Creating a programme that encourages young people to openly explore all aspects of RSE and not just the basics improves the likelihood for young people who are having difficulties in this area to get the help they need.

Lennie

to help equip my children for life; provide them with a safe place to explore their ideas and understanding

Katie (parent)

It is essential for the current and future health and well-being of every individual. Uninformed young people are not equipped to protect themselves from persons who would take advantage of their vulnerability.
Without RSE, individuals are not equipped to recognise consent, make informed choices about relationships, sex, or pregnancy and are vulnerable to misinformation from individuals with ill-judged or malicious intent.
RSE is a public health issue, and if you wish to look at this from a purely financial stance, RSE reduces the costs of STI management, unintended pregnancy, sexual assault, and chronic SH condition management to name just a few.

Amanda (teacher)

I think it’s very important to educate these subjects I didn’t have much myself when attending school etc and would like my daughter and others to have the access to information they need!

Laura (parent)

I am a speech and language therapist and work with lots of young people who are vulnerable due to the lack of knowledge and understanding around SRE. The need high quality RSE so that they can keep safe and enjoy sex and relationships on their terms.

Tina

It is integral to the development of children’s self esteem, identity, understanding of consent, building health relationships and understanding the importance of inclusion and belonging.

Lauren, Southend On Sea (teacher and parent)

It allows young people control over their bodies, relationships and sexuality. This allows for them to make informed decisions and to navigate through these things safely and with the support and trust of others, whilst also understanding risk management. I also believe it is important for everyone to be able explore these topics in a safe, insightful and non-judgemental manner which reduces negative preconceived notions and opens up important dialogues thus allowing young people to freely express their opinions, questions and concerns. Promoting RSE opens up safe-spaces where young people can understand what is normal and when they, or others involved with them, may require extra support or intervention.

Eloise, London

I regularly go into schools and am continually worried by the misconceptions and misinformation young people have
Without the highest quality, regular, ongoing RSE, the situation will not improve and our young people and their relationships will suffer

Leesa, Newcastle Upon Tyne (teacher)

It is so incredibly important to have high quality, inclusive and easily accessible relationship and sex education. It terrifies me hearing/seeing how unaware and/or ignorant to their own autonomy. We need high-quality RSE to protect, educate and support the individuals in need.

Chelsea

I grew up without good RSE. I learnt about gay sex via YouTube and porn. I didn’t know everything I should have about sex when I first started dating which was not only embarrassing but also left me vulnerable.

Martin

It promotes safe and consensual sex, helps support and protect LGBTQIA + people and fosters better mental health among young people.

Sarah (teacher and parent)

I believe all people have the right to evidence based and inclusive knowledge about their body, their health, and their sexuality, and to the opportunity to ask questions about them in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

Erin (young person)

Consistency across schools necessary to support young people’s healthy and safe relationships.

If not offered at school e.g. doesn’t cover lgbt sex and relationships, young people seek this out online, difficult to protect from misinformation

Grace (young person)

Young people deserve to have a safe and supportive environment to learn about sex and relationships. A collaborative, honest, safeguarded, and expert conversation that happens throughout a young person’s school life, not just for 3 hours over 15 years, is important for modelling open communication about sex and relationships in society as a whole, and within young people’s own relationships. I think that with this foundation, themes of respect and informed consent will be more a part of sex and relationships. This could eventually lead to a reduction in the amount of sexual violence that happens for young people and adults, a topic that it is imperative to include in comprehensive sex and relationships education.

Daisy (teacher)

As someone who was exposed to sexual activity and content in an inappropriate way as a child, I wish I had better education so that I could have protected myself better and understood that the people doing these things didn’t love me, they took advantage. Knowledge is power, the more information you have access to, the more you can make informed decisions for yourself.

Hazel

It is important that we have access to reliable information about ourselves and our bodies – if it isn’t provided, we will find it ourselves.

Hannah (young person)

It is vital for safeguarding our young people in an ever changing world.

Louise (teacher), Huddersfield

I needed this when I was a young person.

Georgina

As a teacher, I witness everyday the damages of poorly designed and delivered RSE. Many of my colleagues lack the knowledge and confidence to tackle these topics appropriately and a large section of parents is falling for the negative rhetoric promoted by politicians and legacy and social media. I am growing scared of the ignorance of young people regarding their bodies, sexuality and healthy relationships, and of the alarming rise in homophobic and transphobic behaviours.

Enya, (teacher), Retford

It is crucial that every young person has the opportunity to learn in depth and high quality RSE to better their understanding of those around them, themselves and the world. Information, safety and inclusivity are so important.

Elise (young person)

Access to high quality RSE is critical to young people to ensure they are empowered to make informed decisions about their sexual health and wellbeing. The internet has brought unprecedented levels of access to imagery, video content and other content that can be harmful, misogynistic and toxic and young people need to be supported to deal with this. Understanding healthy relationships and how to ensure these are formed is vital and requires guidance, schools are uniquely placed to provide this consistent, quality messaging to ensure young people have a judgement free place to ask questions, seek more information and find safety if facing any issues concerning their health and wellbeing.

Ella, Coventry

young people deserve to live in a society where sexual violence fails to exist, where victims are not blamed and where sex is about pleasure, not about the degradation of women.

Joëlle (young person)

I know that good, quality and RSHE in schools helps keep young people safe from harm.

Jo, Leigh on Sea

It is essential to making sure young people are safe in their relationships and safe full stop!

Iqra (young person)

My experience of RSE was so much better than others my age that attended other schools, but it still left a large gap in my knowledge that I had to learn from experience. RSE that is not comprehensive leaves it up to young people to find other sources to fill these gaps, and this leaves them open to misinformation and scaremongering.

Elijah (young person)

It is absolutely vital that children and young people know and understand how to approach, navigate and manage relationships of all sorts. They are key to a happy and productive life – whether that be family, sexual partners, friends or colleagues. By introducing basic concepts at a young age such as keeping safe, talking to a trusted person and consent, we can equip our children with the skills they need to support them building and maintaining healthy relationships. As they get older, we can build on these skills to help them further navigate relationships as they think about partners or sex. Why would we not want to help them with these fundamental things? High quality RSE does all of this in a safe and consistent way, meets children and young people where they are at and ensures they know where to go for help and support if they need it.

Rachel

It is the foundation for safe and loving relationships

Maria (teacher)

It is so important for the overall health and well-being of everyone to have an inclusive, high quality and well rounded RSE. When I have finished university I am planning to do a course to become an RSE educator!

Alexandria (young person)

I know personally the impact low and high-quality education about sex and relationships can have on a person! Our happiness and wellbeing are so linked to relationships and sex, so providing young people with high-quality accessible information can help everyone lead a happier life.

Rosie, London

I have worked with young people over the last 10 years and the messages are the same. Young people want reliable, factual and inclusive education about relationships, sex, and health, and they want to receive it from a trusted source, such as in schools, or at home. If they are denied this right, they will look elsewhere to understand their bodies, their health, their identity and that is through their peers and online. Young people now, more than ever, have so much information to navigate, and by providing them with an evidence-based curriculum in a safe space, to support their physical and emotional development, they will live happily and healthy lives. I hope we listen more to what young people want from RSE, and ask teachers and parents how we can support them to get it right.

Sarah, Liverpool

It allows students to navigate tricky situations armed with facts and an understanding of risks and rewards.

Maria (teacher)

I want my children, and all young people, to have the knowledge that they need to understand their bodies, sex and relationships to enable them to make informed decisions, be safe and thrive. Without excellent high-quality, inclusive Relationships Sex and Health Education our young people are vulnerable. Education is the best defence against many of the risks in our society. I want our young to go into the world empowered by knowledge and confidence.

Kathleen (parent), Slough

As a parent, I wholeheartedly support RSE because it empowers our children to respect themselves and others, fostering a safer, more inclusive society for everyone.

Louise (parent)

I am a PSHE/RSE lead in a primary school and have the good fortune of teaching PGCE students about the curriculum, including statutory 2020 guidance. It is vital that young people are properly equipped with information that can help them navigate life’s challenges.

Rosie (teacher)

I support RSE because I have a young son and my hope for him is that he grows up in an educated, tolerant world where people take the time to develop and nurture healthy relationships that are based on understanding and mutual respect.

Owen (parent)

I HAVE COME TO REALISE THIS IS NOT TOMETHING TAUGHT IN SCHOOLS (OR AT LEARST NOT IN MY DAUGHTERS SCHOOL) AND NOW AGED 16 SHE IS ASKING ME QUESTIONS. I AM VERY LUCKY, WE HAVE A POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP AND SHE FEELS SHE CAN ASK ME HOWEVER SOME YOUNG PEOPLE ARE NOT AS FORTUNATE.

Laura-jayne (parent)

I think it is so important to ensure we give our young people as much information as possible on topics such as these so they can develop the skills and knowledge they need to thrive now and in the future.

Natalie (parent)

I work in schools and have seen the positive difference high quality rshe makes to young people’s outcomes, confidence and quality of life.

Natasha

I believe its every young persons right to be taught RSE so they can grow knowing the basics of there body’s and understand what good healthy relationships are and be able to form these healthy relationships as they learn more about themselves and others.

Leanne (parent), Cornwall

All children and young people should be given the skills and knowledge they need to understand their own bodies and emotions, make empowered, healthy choices and develop safe, happy relationships.

Sam (parent)

It is vital to allow us all to make informed, empowered decisions about our bodies, without external influence. Comprehensive relationship and sex education unlocks possibilities, grants choices to young people, and keeps everyone safe.

Florie, London

Everyone deserves access to comprehensive education, in order to make the best decisions for themselves and their sexual health. Whatever the question or query, people deserve to know the truth about their own sexual health.

Rachel (young person)

Children and young people need these skills to equip them for life. Understanding consent, healthy relationships, how to make informed choices are vital skills, and not just for navigating relationships. Young people should be supported by high quality RSE and schools that are properly trained. It is essential that young people are able to question media representations and to make their own decisions based on assessing evidence, and how it is relevant to their lives. My daughters received very basic RSE from a secondary school who did not prioritise these discussions – and it didn’t feel as if their experience had changed from when I was at school 40 years ago!

Helen (parent)

As a parent and trainee teacher, I see the value in this. Children need to understand the importance of mutually respectful relationships and this is key to a happy and successful life.

Louise (parent and teacher), York

I want my children to understand their own bodies and the changes their bodies will go through.
I want them to have the skills and confidence to negotiate what they do and don’t want from other people
I want them to appreciate that their friends have families that look different to theirs.
I want them to call out sexism and misogyny.
I want them to call out inappropriate behaviour when they see it.
I want them not to assume that their friends are heterosexual.
I want them to be allies to their trans peers.
I want them to have all the knowledge and confidence I didn’t have as a young person.
I want them to feel they can be exactly who they.
I want them to have good RSE – and will fight to make sure they do

Laura (parent), Hull

It gives our children age-appropriate in-depth teaching so they can feel empowered to make informative & hopefully respectful choices.
It’s important to tackle misogyny.
Shame & stigma can kill.
Statistics show that comprehensive RSE creates more positive health outcomes.
It offers everyone to be a part of the conversation and learning, not just from a reproductive heteronormative perspective.

Catriona, London

It is needed to keep our young people safe, as well as physically and mentally well. The subject needs to continue to evolve to meet the needs of our children and young people in an everchanging society. It needs to be inclusive, reflecting the lives CYP are living today to ensure no-one is marginalised nor discriminated against. It also needs to be evidence based; CYPs’ voices must be listened to.

Nicky (parent and teacher), Cheltenham

I am sick and tired of seeing my friends and close ones talk about how their RSE failed to support and protect them, struggle with their LGBTQ identity, be sexually abused and assaulted and be in unhealthy abusive relationships (all of which high quality RSE could have helped to avoid)

Eliza (young person), Nottingham

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