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Hull MP calls for schools to help protect children from sex abuse

Diana Johnson GB Labour MP Kingston Upon Hull North Credit: Labour Party/The Labour Party/Press Association Images

Hull MP Diana Johnson is calling for lessons about sex and relationships to be made compulsory in classrooms.

The Sex and Relationships Education (Curriculum) Bill requires the Secretary of State for Education to introduce education about sex and relationships into the National Curriculum, including raising awareness of violence against girls and women alongside building resilience against bullying and sexual abuse. Currently there is no requirement for schools to teach pupils about healthy relationships and issues such as consent.

“Everyone has been horrified by recent revelations about child sex abuse in places such as Rochdale, Oxford and Rotherham, and historic cases such as Jimmy Savile and Cyril Smith.

“It’s appalling how many young victims have been exploited by paedophiles. The Government needs to do more in a range of areas to protect children from abuse and to support parents.

“One particular area where schools can help is by teaching children how to recognise inappropriate and suspicious behaviour, such as grooming. Pupils in every type of school need to be taught more about personal relationships than just the basic old-fashioned biology lessons of the past."

– Diana Johnson, MP Hull North

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