A PICTURE of inconsistent and inadequate provision of Personal and Social Education (PSE) for young people in some of Scotland’s schools has been painted by a Scottish Parliament committee.
The finding followed a short inquiry by Holyrood’s Education and Skills Committee, which looked at how and what should be taught as part of PSE.
It heard there was a lack of consistency in what was being taught throughout Scotland, meaning that there was patchy provision in teaching young people about sex and relationships, understanding and accepting diversity and mental health awareness.
The committee is now calling for a review of PSE delivery throughout all schools in Scotland.
Committee convener James Dornan said: “The committee received the views of hundreds of teachers, parents and young people, including moving personal stories. The committee heard worrying accounts of vital topics such as what constitutes sexual consent and LGBTI issues not being covered. This simply is not good enough.
“This is a subject which is not just a “nice to have”. It is a vital part of our education system and one which can help foster an inclusive environment where all children and young people can learn about respecting themselves and others.
“A review of the delivery of PSE in our schools is now a priority and we would ask the Scottish Government to instigate this as soon as possible.”
Ross Greer, Scottish Greens education spokesperson and a committee member, called on Education Secretary John Swinney to act on the report findings.
He said: “It’s clear from the evidence we received that tens of thousands of young people are leaving school without the essential life skills they need.
“It’s unacceptable that we are not equipping our young people with basic information about mental health, inclusive sex and relationship education or even the principle of sexual consent. The Scottish Government must agree to our call for a review of PSE as a matter of priority.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We have already committed to a national review of personal and social education, the role of guidance in schools and school counselling services for children and young people.”
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