The Government has announced that sex education is to become compulsory in all schools in England. Previously, it was only mandatory in council run schools. Apparently, from reception children will learn about and discuss relationships. Unsurprisingly, there is lots of controversy over this matter, as to whether it is the role of the state to teach children about sex and relationships.
Personally, I think some sort of education about where we come from, relationships, consent, contraceptives and growing up is necessary. Particularly in Biology, children deserve to learn how our bodies work and how we came to be here, which parents may find, understandably, awkward to discuss.As more explicitly sexual content becomes available on the internet, it seems right to convey the correct knowledge. Teachers may find teaching the course uncomfortable, but the content would be within a framework and targeted for the age groups. The main opponents of state sex education believe it should be the role of parents, not the state, to decide when, or if, such matters are discussed. In part I agree with this. However, the idea that children being taught some elements in schools means devolving all powers away from parents is farcical. One of the most important factors should be the role and understanding of parents in teaching. I think they should have prior knowledge of what is going to be taught, and the permission to remove their child from lessons if they thought it was inappropriate. Another argument against sex education, often shouted around, is the UK's apparently high teenage birthrate. However, recent statistics from the ONS show that the teenage birthrate is in decline, at 19.7 live births per 1,000 women aged 15-19, down from over 25 births per 1,000 women in 2004. While this figure is high compared to our European friends, it shows the number of people having children young is dropping, something that should be welcomed. Whilst sex education may not be the only factor, it's a welcome correlation. As long as the content taught is age appropriate, with parents having prior knowledge and the ability to remove their child from classes, I believe compulsory sex and relationships education should be welcomed. ****************************************************************************************************************** For roughly 18 months, I've volunteered for 4 hours a week at a local charity shop. I've been able to gain experience in the retail sector, meet a number of wonderful people of all ages and contribute to the community. Every week is different, whether I'm on the shop floor making aesthetically pleasing displays, operating the till, in the back processing items or making (much needed!) tea and coffee for everyone. There's a vast number of transferable skills, helpful in any sector of work. From till skills to researching, boiling a kettle or operating a steamer, the skills gained from volunteering are life long. I would urge any of my readers to think about volunteering and contributing. Not for something to write on a CV. But for the wonderful people met, skills learnt and exciting experiences. ****************************************************************************************************************** I'm missing meat less and less. When I first became a vegetarian at the beginning of 2017, I thought cravings and desire for meat would mean I would not forfill my New Year's Resolutions. Thankfully not. I haven't particularly missed meat, want it now or intend to consume it in the future. There is still ham, salami and sausages in the house, as I am the only pescatarian in a home of 3. That, however, makes no difference. During January, I was a fully fledged vegetarian. Realizing by the end of the month that fish is good for you, especially when I have exams in a few months, I switched to pescatarianism. That has been a smooth transition, with many wonderful vegetarian options available wherever I eat. It also means I can still have classic fish and chips at the coast, always a memorable experience. I'm not the type of vegetarian that wishes to impose what I choose not to eat upon everyone. While I believe the world would be environmentally better off if everybody was a vegetarian, I don't intend to do anything to reduce meat consumption. Firstly, I don't think people should be forced to not eat a certain type of food, and that is should be a matter of choice. Secondly, any attempt to trying to reduce meat consumption wouldn't be worth starting, as there would be no feasible way of implementing such a policy. What I do know is, for me, becoming a vegetarian has been a smooth, welcome way of life.
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