[ladbroke]

Formal, structured sex education for four year olds is a ridiculous notion. It's a solution looking for a problem that isn't there. Pretty much the only question you'll get from a four year old is 'where do babies come from?'. This should be answered by the parent in a way they deem suitable. Kids are individual, and want to know/need to know things at different ages.

What is crucial is that when sex education is given at the age of ten it needs to be the right advice. Much more time and emphasis needs to be put on it, and the implications of getting pregnant and what that means for their lives. It needs to be a balance of factual biology, and out of classroom visits to teenage parents/std clinics etc.

Extra time and money spent would be a good investment when balanced against what teenage pregnancy currently costs the country. My experience of sex education in the 1980's was attrocious. We all sat in the lecture theatre being spoken at, one poor boy was picked on by the teacher, and made to stand up and tell everyone about sanitary towels! He died a death, went bright red and was laughed at. Talk about issues for that poor lad in later life!

[MK Chris]

classroom visits to teenage parents

I don't agree with that. You'll get kids who see the cute baby and want one for themselves, not realising that this child is going to change their lives forever and that they need to be ready for it.

[ladbroke]

classroom visits to teenage parents

I don't agree with that. You'll get kids who see the cute baby and want one for themselves, not realising that this child is going to change their lives forever and that they need to be ready for it.

Done in the right way, with sensible Q&A sessions it could be invaluable. The harsh realities hammered home instead of just 'a cute baby'.

[Yudster]

Formal, structured sex education for four year olds is a ridiculous notion. It's a solution looking for a problem that isn't there.

On the head.

[DevilsDuck]

out of classroom visits to std clinics

for 10 year olds?

Really?

[ladbroke]

out of classroom visits to std clinics

for 10 year olds?

Really?

No not at all! he he! I could've valiantly fought my corner and pretended that I meant to type that bit but I didn't! Pictures of rotting genitalia might be a bit strong at that age me thinks.........

[Vivienne]

There is nothing wrong or dirty about it, and I have no problems with it being taught. Just not at 4.

I agree totally, timps. My major point is biologically it's not going to be possible for people to have sex until later on, thus rendering the need to inform senseless at that age. I would imagine a lot of 4 year olds may even find this quite distressing.