Our review of published research highlighted the need for adults to better understand young people's different experiences.1
We commissioned Cardiff University and University College London to work with us to design and conduct an exploratory research project to find out how young people are learning about relationships, sex and sexuality including:
The project was co-produced with a Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG), and drew on participatory and creative methods, as well as an online survey to generate insight into young people’s own views and experiences.
Authors: Professor EJ Renold, Dr Sara Bragg, Chloe Gill, Dr Vicki Hollis, Rachel Margolis, Dr Ester McGeeney, Betsy Milne, Professor Jessica Ringrose, Dr Vicky Timperley and Dr Honor Young
Published: 2023
References
Hollis, V. et al (2022) Children and young people's views on learning about relationships, sex, and sexuality: a narrative review of UK literature. London: NSPCC.Young people described relationships, sex and sexuality education as patchy and often poor yet would still rather learn in school because they felt that everyone needs to have access to relationships sex and sexuality education provision.
Young people had many ideas on about what and how they want to learn about relationships, sex and sexuality but were rarely consulted.
Young people would like to be active participants in building a creative learning environment with each other and their education providers.
Young people want to learn from adults who are comfortable with the subjects and confident in how they educate and who show care and compassion for young people’s diverse experiences.
Renold, E. et al (2023) “We have to educate ourselves”: how young people are learning about relationships, sex and sexuality. London: NSPCC.
The Young People's Advisory Group (YPAG) have given an overview of how we carried out this research and the key findings in an infographic. This is a useful resource for explaining about the research and it's findings to young people. Download the PDF of the image by clicking on the image or the button below.
> Download infographic in English (PDF)
A suite of illustrated cards to help educators learn about the diversity of learning and experience on key topics within relationships, sex and sexuality education, in young people’s own words.
A 10-minute film that shares how creative and participatory methods can be used to better understand what and how young people want to learn about relationships, sex and sexuality.
Training, lesson plans and a dedicated helpline to support secondary schools teachers to confidently deliver inclusive sex and relationships education.
Relationships and sex education teaching resources to help you plan health, relationships and sex education that protects young people and promotes healthy wellbeing.
Guidance for teachers and group leaders on talking to children and young people about healthy relationships.
