Talking about sex

Paul Barltrop The Politics Show BBC West

Britain has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in Europe. The government wants to tackle this - but there is controversy over what should be done...

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"When I was younger I always thought you would go to the doctor's and inject the seed into you."

This 10-year-old from Bath now knows how babies are made.

His school has taken the unusual step of introducing sex and relationship education much earlier than most.

With no clear government rules, many schools target children aged 10 or 11. But Newbridge Primary has been bold.

Toni Palmer: sex education for seven-year-olds

"As staff, we felt that was far too late," says teacher Toni Palmer, "so we decided we would introduce sex and relationships education from year three, which is the seven-year-olds."

Parents not told

Another controversial approach is taken by secondary schools in the Bristol area: Drop-in sexual health clinics.

Pupils aged from 11 to 18 can get condoms, pregnancy tests, or even the morning-after pill, for free - and without their parents knowing.

It is funded by the NHS - but some, like the Family Education Trust, feel schools are doing the job of parents.

"Where I really do have grave concerns about the Brook, is where contraceptives are provided on school premises without parental knowledge," says Dr Trevor Stammers.

Dr Stammers: concern about contraceptives provided without parental knowledge

Preventing health problems

However the charity Brook which runs the clinics say the reality is young people are having sex, and their work makes sure it is safe.

"If they're not using adequate contraception, and they have no knowlege about STDs," says Dr Annie Evans, "then they will suffer ill heath outcomes that we could otherwise have prevented."

Dr Evans: young people are having sex we make sure it is safe

But some argue reducing the numbers of children getting pregnant is a lot more complicated - there are bigger forces at play.

Bigger issues

The subject of young people and sex generates much emotion and controversy.

But Professor David Paton suggests both sides are missing the mark - the real causes are much wider.

"When you manage to reduce poverty, when you manage to reduce unemployment, when you manage to improve standards at schools, these all seem to have the impact of reducing teenage pregnancy rates," he says.

Prof Paton: teenage pregnancy rates influenced by many factors

Politicians are tackling these issues, but there is less they can do about another cause he cites - poor communication with parents.

Policy-makers have long sought to change Britain's unenviable record. They have not yet found the answer.

We will be looking for some answers to these contraversial questions on the show this Sunday...

Join Jon Sopel and David Garmston for the Politics Show West this Sunday at 1200 on BBC One (or watch again on the BBC iPlayer).

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