**Angry Mum Calls for Change in Sex Education Curriculum After Daughter, 9, Traumatised**
Emma Cormie is voicing her concerns over the sex education material taught at her daughter’s school, which she believes is inappropriate for nine-year-olds. Emma’s daughter was exposed to images of naked individuals during a Relationships, Sexual Health, and Parenthood (RSHP) lesson, causing her to experience anxiety and stress. The RSHP programme is a part of the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland, specifically focusing on Health and Wellbeing.
The material included basic information about sex, pregnancy, body parts, and sexual intercourse, presented through cartoon drawings and real-life photographs of naked individuals. Mrs. Cormie expressed her shock and disappointment at the content, stating that she was not adequately informed by the school about this aspect of the curriculum. She believes that parents should have been notified beforehand to provide support to their children through such sensitive topics.
In a Facebook post, Mrs. Cormie shared her concern, questioning the age-appropriateness of the material and expressing worry about the impact on young children’s mental well-being. She highlighted the need for a more transparent dialogue between schools and parents regarding sex education content. The post garnered significant attention, with numerous parents echoing Mrs. Cormie’s unease about the material being presented to children as young as nine years old.
While sex education is a crucial component of the curriculum in Scotland, Mrs. Cormie advocates for a reassessment of the current content to ensure it aligns with children’s developmental stages. She emphasised the importance of preserving children’s innocence and childhood, urging for a more thoughtful and considerate approach to delivering such sensitive topics in schools.
Acknowledging the feedback and concerns raised by parents, Moray Council stated that teachers have some flexibility in their teaching approach but are expected to adhere to national guidelines. The council highlighted that parents should be informed in advance about sensitive topics being introduced in the curriculum, allowing them to engage in the educational process and address any concerns they may have.
Mrs. Cormie’s advocacy for age-appropriate and mindful sex education material has sparked a broader conversation about the delivery of such content in schools. While recognizing the necessity of educating children about relationships and sexual health, she stresses the importance of involving parents in the decision-making process and ensuring that the curriculum respects the delicate nature of childhood development.
As the debate around sex education continues, parents, educators, and policymakers are called to collaborate in creating a curriculum that strikes the right balance between information dissemination and preserving the innocence of children. Mrs. Cormie’s advocacy serves as a reminder of the critical role parents play in shaping their children’s educational journey and advocating for content that aligns with their values and beliefs.