SEX: NOW I'M AGONY AUNT TO THE GOVERNMENT

It’s gratifying to know that most departments of government read – and act on – my Blog. And so quickly.

It was on Monday that I wrote about the folly of the Scouts introducing sex education (‘it’s down to your parents, and then your school, and then the good old behind-the-bikesheds grapevine’); and yesterday the government announced plans to introduce sex and relationship lessons in primary and secondary schools.

The primary aspect is worrying some folk. I have one thing to say to about that. F… F… Finland.

Excuse the stutter – it’s all this talk about … you know, thingy, S-E-X. And there’s the rub. We reticent, reserved, repressed British are just so bloody awful at telling our kids about sex.

My parents never told me. None of my schoolmates’ parents told them. The result is the shaming, embarrassing fact that the UK has one of the worst teenage pregnancy rates in Europe. Along with all its associated and not inconsiderable social and economic costs.

Finland starts its sex and relationship education (slowly and subtly) in primary school and carries it right through the education system. It has one of the lowest teenage pregnancy rates in Europe.

QED.
(Quite Edifying, Ducky).

* And a quick JOCKEY SHORT: If you are prepared to explain the facts of life to your kids, you are entitled to protest against the government’s plans. If you are not prepared to do it, shut your gob!