A forum of parents, teachers and health workers in Britain has put forward a five-point plan to ensure that children receive effective sex education in schools.

The charter, drawn up by the Sex Education Forum, calls for sex education to be made compulsory as part of Personal and Social Education (PSE) when the national curriculum is revised in the year 2000.

The forum argues that sex education today should involve more than the mechanics of reproduction, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. It suggests that a much wider definition of sex education should be taught, for example, moral values and beliefs about sex.

The launch of the Charter for Effective Sex Education in Schools coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Sex Education Forum - a national coalition of parents', children's, educational, health and religious organisations.

Gill Lenderyou, senior development officer for the forum, said sex education was often sidelined because of curriculum pressures. "The evidence shows that the majority of young people want sex education from their schools as well as from their parents.

"We owe it to them to ensure that the law is clear, that PSE has an undisputed place in the curriculum and that young people have well-informed adults with whom they can share their thoughts and concerns about sex and relationships," she said.

The UK has one of the highest rates of under 16-conceptions in Europe, and abortion, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections are on the increase among young people. The charter says that teachers should be taught the skills and knowledge to support young people's personal and social development, and that there should be statutory guidance on teacher-pupil confidentiality.

Education Minister Estelle Morris said she supported the plan and said: "I look forward to working further with the forum and others to face the challenge of reducing the rate of teenage pregnancies and encouraging young people to develop the emotional and relationship skills they need for a happy and successful life."
 

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