Labour MP Alistair Strathern Introduces Bill to Mandate Sex Education for 16-18 Year-Olds
A Labour MP is pushing for mandatory relationships and sex education (RSE) for 16 to 18-year-olds, seeking to counter violence against women and girls and end a fragmented provision across further education institutions. Alistair Strathern, the Labour MP for Hitchin, presented his private member's bill to extend RSE teaching, which he states would equip teenagers to navigate complex relationship issues, recognise coercive control, and identify other forms of abuse.
Addressing Gaps in Education and Online Harms
Strathern highlighted the current disparity in RSE provision for students in further education, stating they have 'missed out' on crucial education. He emphasised the urgency of his proposal, noting that 'the worst corners of the internet are preying on teenagers, with their own harmful takes on what makes a healthy relationship'. The MP, also co-chair of the Labour group for men and boys, argued that young people deserve better support and advice during a formative period.
His bill responds to alarming statistics, with 16 to 19-year-olds experiencing the highest rates of domestic abuse of any age group. Strathern asserted that 'the real-world consequences of failing to act couldn't be clearer', particularly given young people's increased exposure to extreme online content. The Relationships and Sex Education (Further Education Sector) Bill follows a petition by the Make it Mandatory campaign group, which garnered over 106,000 signatures advocating for sex education up to the age of 18.
Faustine Petron, founder of Make it Mandatory, spoke of the personal impact such legislation could have, drawing on her own experience of an abusive relationship. The proposed legislation has also received support from organisations including the End Violence Against Women Coalition and the Sex Education Forum. Lucy Emmerson, chief executive of the Sex Education Forum, underscored the importance of extending RSE, noting that this age group often begins their first romantic and sexual relationships, making reliable information and trusted adult guidance vital for preventing harm.
