Since September 2020, all schools are required to teach pupils about puberty as part of Health Education. Evidence suggests that many children are still not learning the key facts about their changing bodies, with implications for their confidence and body image, as well as their health and safety.
This episode explores what puberty is and what good puberty education should look like. Guests outline the challenges facing teachers, including naming body parts, misinformation online and why we need to take 'precocious' or early-onset puberty in to account. Pupils describe their experiences of puberty education, both at school and at home, and offer their tips on how to take the anxiety and shame out of talking about the body.
Guests in order of appearance:
Year 4 pupil
Eleanor Draeger, Consultant in Sexual Health and HIV
Nick Dunne, Head of Development, Brook
Celia Roberts, Professor of Sociology, Australia National University
Year 10 students
For more information about this episode and a full list of resources: https://www.sexeddiaries.org/episode-details
The Sex Ed Diaries
A series focusing on the changes to Relationships and Sex Education in English schools. The show is hosted by Dr Polly Haste, in partnership with sexual health and well-being charity, Brook. Together they probe the questions and dilemmas facing teachers and share the experiences and expertise of those working in the sector. Guests include teachers, researchers, policy makers, health professionals, resource producers, trainers and young people. Content is aimed at teachers and support staff in primary, secondary and special schools and is relevant to anyone interested in Relationships and Sex Education.