The government plans to let 15-year-olds overrule their parents' wishes and opt in to sex education lessons they have previously been withdrawn from.
Education Secretary Damian Hinds says children should be able to request sex education in at least one of the three terms before their 16th birthday. Until then, parents will retain the right to withdraw their children.
The plan was announced as part of new draft guidelines on the teaching of sex education in England's schools.
These new, wider guidelines have been developed following concerns the existing guidance, last updated 18 years ago, does not cover topics such as:
- mental wellbeing
- consent
- keeping safe online
- physical health and fitness
- LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) issues
The guidelines, to become compulsory from 2020, are now open to consultation.
Mr Hinds also said health education would become a mandatory part of the curriculum for all primary and secondary schools from autumn 2020.
Under the plans, pupils will learn about mental health and developing skills such as confidence and resilience. It comes amid growing concerns about mental health issues among young people.
Classes will also cover physical health, such as the importance of exercise and healthy eating and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle as well as preventing health problems.
