Changes to sex and health education guidelines to include sexting and FGM

The Department of Education is set to issue fresh guidelines for sex and health education in the first changes to relationship and sex education since 2000.

The new guidelines will see pupils learn about the the dangers of sexting, the importance of getting enough sleep, and how to notice if their friends are suffering from anxiety.

The Department for Education says secondary school pupils will be taught about female genital mutilation and other forms of “honour-based” abuse, as well as grooming, forced marriage and domestic abuse.

It will also include teaching children how to look after their mental wellbeing and recognise when classmates are struggling.

Anna Feuchtwang, chief executive of the National Children's Bureau, told The Mirror:

"This is a welcome step forward in preparing children for adulthood, improving their wellbeing and keeping them safe and healthy”.

However, the announcement comes as parent groups have protested that they do not want sex education to be a mandatory part of the curriculum.

MPs are to debate a petition requesting that parents retain the right to opt their child out of sex education classes.