The UK Government announced on Thursday that it is updating its statutory guidance for schools and introducing age limits for sex education and sensitive topics. The press release says the decision to introduce age limits to sex education in schools comes “following multiple reports of disturbing materials being used in Relationships, Sex, and Health Education (RSHE) lessons.”

The draft statutory guidance issued by the Department of Education prohibits sex education from being taught before Year 5, prohibits the “contested theory of gender identity” from being taught, and allows parents to have access to curriculum materials. It further outlines that any sex education from Year 5 onwards will be from a “purely scientific standpoint.” This scientific standpoint encompasses “legally protected characteristics, such as sexual orientation and gender reassignment.”

The announcement follows the publication of a four-year independent review led by Dr. Hillary Cass: the Final Report of the Independent Review of Gender Identity Services for Children and Young People (Cass Review).

The review found that

“[The Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), the UK’s sole specialist service in gender identity for children and young people, has] experienced a significant increase in referrals, which has contributed to long waiting lists and growing concern about how the NHS should most appropriately assess, diagnose, and care for this population of children and young people […] There is a lack of consensus and open discussion about the nature of gender dysphoria and therefore about the appropriate clinical response”.

The press release states, “In light of the Cass Review, it is important that schools take a cautious approach to teaching about this sensitive topic and do not use any materials that present contested views as fact, including the view that gender is a spectrum.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says the updated guidance establishes trust between the schools and parents. He says that in light of the troubling reports, parents should have the peace of mind of knowing that their children are not exposed to “disturbing content that is inappropriate for their age.” Sunak added, “I will always act swiftly to protect our children, and this new guidance will do exactly that while supporting teachers to teach these important topics sensitively and giving parents access to curriculum content if they wish.”

The guidance also “strengthens” education surrounding topics of suicide, sexual violence and harassment, and “harmful misogynistic behavior.” The changes to the RSHE statutory guidance will remain open to the public for consultation until 11 July 2024.