Concerns Grow Around Sex Education in Schools: Which UK Cities Are the Most Vocal?
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A new study by OhMyGasm.co.uk has revealed where in the UK parents are most concerned about sex education.
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Exeter tops the list with 56% of online conversations expressing negativity about sex education in schools.
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Other key cities include Glasgow (55%), Southend-on-Sea (54%), and Liverpool (46%), showing the debate spans the UK.
In 2020, sex and relationship education became a legal requirement for students aged 11 and up. While this monumental shift aimed to provide young people with vital knowledge about relationships, consent, and wellbeing, it appears that many parents and communities are still grappling with concerns about the curriculum.
To understand these concerns better, the team at OhMyGasm.co.uk analyzed thousands of online conversations about sex education in the UK. The study revealed where negative sentiments around the topic are most prevalent, highlighting the cities with the highest percentages of concerned voices.
The UK Cities voicing concerns around sex education in schools:
Rank |
Cities |
% negative conversations online around sex education |
1 |
Exeter |
56% |
2 |
Glasgow |
55% |
3 |
Southend-on-Sea |
54% |
4 |
Aberdeen |
52% |
5 |
Middlesbrough |
52% |
6 |
Leicester |
52% |
7 |
Dundee |
51% |
8 |
Peterborough |
50% |
9 |
Bristol |
50% |
10 |
Swansea |
50% |
11 |
Luton |
49% |
12 |
Dover |
48% |
13 |
Newcastle |
48% |
14 |
Ayr |
47% |
15 |
Lincoln |
47% |
16 |
Belfast |
46% |
17 |
Liverpool |
46% |
18 |
Londonderry |
45% |
19 |
Blackburn |
45% |
20 |
Bournemouth |
45% |
21 |
Manchester |
45% |
22 |
Ipswich |
45% |
23 |
Gloucester |
45% |
24 |
Brighton |
45% |
25 |
Plymouth |
45% |
At the top of the list is Exeter, where a striking 56% of online conversations reflect concerns about the curriculum. This South West city has emerged top with parents and community members raising questions about the content taught in schools.
Close behind is Glasgow, where 55% of online conversations show negativity. The city, often seen as a cultural hub in Scotland, highlights a broader trend of concern throughout the region, with Aberdeen and Dundee also ranking in the top ten at 52% and 51%, respectively.
In third place is Southend-on-Sea, with 54% of conversations expressing doubt or dissatisfaction. This seaside town in East England demonstrates that concerns are not limited to any one part of the country, as Peterborough (50%) and Ipswich (45%) further represent the East of England in the rankings.
Despite the program’s intent to prepare students with knowledge about healthy relationships and societal challenges, the data suggests a divide in public perception across the UK. Cities like Liverpool, Manchester, and Belfast also show significant levels of concern, with 46% and above negative sentiment.
Why the Debate?
Experts speculate that these concerns could stem from:
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Lack of understanding: Many parents are unclear about the curriculum’s objectives and content, leading to confusion and concern.
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Spread of misinformation: Online platforms and social media often amplify fears or misconceptions about sex education.
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Parental discomfort: Parents may feel unprepared to discuss sensitive topics at home alongside what schools teach, fostering mistrust or unease.
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Communication gaps: A lack of transparency between schools and parents leaves room for doubts about the purpose and delivery of lessons.
The team also held a focus group with parents and found a mix of emotions from parents:
Laura from Bradford said: “I have 2 boys in secondary school and I’m not really sure what they do. The boys never told me anything. But I don’t think it prepares them at all really, especially around healthy relationships.
Kids do not know the consequences of their actions, especially around consent and how to treat each other. I think a lot you learn from your parents and how they treat each other. Also, online stuff like porn is so unrealistic. Porn is not a good example. For me, it shows how not to have sex or treat a person. I think schools just make them aware of the basics.”
Louise from Harrogate agrees and said: “The current sex education I don’t think prepares kids well at all!”
Laura also said that: “the boys learn separately from the girls.” But I believe they think it should be done as one.”
All parents agreed that schools should not ask for consent, but it’s an important topic and parents should be informed so they can understand what they’re learning.
Lizzie from Selby said: “I think the schools should lead the way on this topic, but they should keep parents well informed so we can help to support the topics being taught and plug any gaps if necessary. Openness and collaboration between schools and parents is key.”
Laura believes parents should lead in the conversations and said: “Parents should take the lead 100%. It’s not down to schools to teach them everything. We are very open with our 2 boys. We talk about a lot of stuff at home. When the time comes, we will sit them down and have a real good conversation about it.”
Want to know more on the study and research, please find our blog on site: https://ohmygasm.co.uk/blogs/news/are-there-global-concerns-about-sex-education
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