Support for Parents
This page contains useful resources and support for parents.
Talking to your child about relationships and sex
Parents and guardians as well as young people can find it embarrassing and challenging to talk about sex especially if you are unsure about how to approach the subject.
Having open and honest discussions about sex and relationships helps your child to recognise the positive behaviours and to protect and safeguard them when they are ready to explore sex and sexuality.
Talking to your child about sex does not mean they will go out and do it. Helping your child to learn about age appropriate sex and relationships means that they can be empowered to make more informed choices and they are more likely to talk to you when they are concerned or worried.
Help your children get the most out of the internet
The National Crime Agency's CEOP Education team aim to help protect children and young people from online child sexual abuse. Their latest campaign #AskTheAwkward explores how to talk to your secondary aged children about online relationships. As parents we know these are not always easy topics to have conversations about.
Talking regularly with your child about relationships and sex can help develop shared understanding, trust, and support between you. This includes being aware of the positive opportunities technology provides for their social and romantic lives.
#AskTheAwkward has been created to help you to explore online relationships with your secondary aged children, making these conversations part of everyday life. Watch the films and find resources to help you start the conversation today! #AskTheAwkward
More information can also be found on the Safe4me website: https://www.safe4me.co.uk/news-events/
Talk little. Talk often. Ask The Awkward.
Information on Relationships Education and Relationships and Sex Education (RE RSE) from ParentKind.
Respecting backgrounds and beliefs
Schools are able to decide how to teach RSE but there are guidelines saying that it should be age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate. It must be taught sensitively and inclusively, respecting the backgrounds and beliefs of pupils and parents. At the same time, it aims to provide pupils with the knowledge they need of the law.
Relationship Education Policies
From September 2020, schools will be legally required to have their Relationship Education Policy available on their website. This will outline what that individual school will teach, when and how.
You can find a short two page guide with more information on what's being taught in primary and secondary schools.
Relationships and Sex Education: The Evidence
We’ve put together some links to websites that can provide information about sexual health, sex and relationships to support you in your conversations.
- Click here for: Supporting Education and Safeguarding Children
- BISH provides detailed information to support young people aged 14 and over
- BISH - information for parents
- Young Person’s Sexual Health Advice Guide
- NHS Choices Sexual Health
- Consent and the law
- Brook
- Think U Know provide information about things you may be worried about
- Victim Care - Information for Schools, Colleges and Parents or Guardians
RSE advice email
If you have a question about relationships and sex education and talking to your child or young people you support you can email us directly and securely at snhs.sexualhealthpromotion@nhs.net