A recent report from the PSHE Association found that parents want schools to do more to educate children about the risks of sending sexual messages and images.
The online survey of 1,159 parents by YouGov showed that 78% were either fairly or very concerned about sexting, compared to 69% who were concerned about alcohol misuse and 67% who were concerned about smoking.
In response, 87% of respondents agreed that schools should do more to educate pupils about the risks involved in sexting.
While parents were eager for schools to take steps to reduce pupils’ sexting, only 13% of them believed that the best way to do this was for schools to report pupils to the police. Instead, the majority was in favour of lessons for pupils on the risks of sexting.
Kirstie Allsopp, presenter of Location, Location, Location, has added her support to the call for lessons on sexting and the PSHE Association campaign to make PSHE compulsory.
“Of course it remains our responsibility as adults and parents to stay up to date with technology so we can protect our children and reduce these pressures, but there are vital elements to do with sexual behaviour and peer pressure which need to be discussed in school, by qualified PSHE teachers and this government’s objection to compulsory PSHE is disgraceful and leaves kids at risk.”
Later this year, we will be publishing new teaching resources and films about sexting and other online issues, delivered as part of our work as one of three partners in the UK Safer Internet Centre. Find out more and view the promotional film here:
www.childnet.com/resources/coming-soon