The Department of Education has published updated guidance on relationships, sex and health education, including the introduction of age limits.
Lynn Perry, Barnardo’s chief executive, said:
“We believe children have the right to high quality, inclusive and age-appropriate relationships, sex and health education.
“This can help keep children safe from harm on and offline - but to be effective, it must reflect the reality of young people’s experiences today. On average, children first see online pornography at the age of 13, and an estimated 500,000 children are sexually abused each year. At Barnardo’s we support thousands of abused children across the UK to overcome their trauma, as well as many more who have been exposed to harmful content online.
“We urge the government to listen carefully to young people, as well as their parents, carers and other adults who support them, so that the final guidance helps children to stay safe, identify and report abuse, and to understand what makes a healthy, respectful relationship.”