Let’s talk about RELATIONSHIPS - Issue 8

[ukyp]

By Claire Smith, Sutton Youth Parliament

http://www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/203361.html

As fascinating as the studies into SRE are, it seems to me that the most important aspect is the ‘R’ in SRE.

‘Relationships’ is a significant aspect of the entire issue of sex. Lax teaching of it or its total omission from lessons is a disservice to the young people of today. The main problem with teaching the relationships aspect of the issue is that it’s a sticky subject. In a modern society where the student-teacher relationship is scrutinised and analysed constantly, it isn’t difficult to see how there is little basis for the trust and communication needed to deal with the highly sensitive issue of relationships.

As a response more external speakers have been bought in, not only to rightly deal with the complicated and under appreciated scientific aspects of sex education, but also to deal with relationships. The issue is, after all, one of emotions and feelings, something difficult to teach in the regular format.

Young people ought to be given more choice about the relationships education they receive and the way in which they receive it. I firmly believe that schools should be made to provide relationships lessons, and this practice should be checked up on regularly to make sure the essential information is being provided, as this will reach the greatest number of people.

Young people should not be allowed to miss out on this vital part of education, essential for their emotional wellbeing and their development. The education system for it should be chosen by the young people, through individual consultation and constant review to make sure young people get an input and get their voice heard.

[Paul]

How are the young people supposed to say what they want to be taught? If they havent been taught it then they don't know that they don't have it - and if they know what they want then they'll have already learnt it in life.

Life teaches relationships better than teachers.

[Katrina]

Originally Posted by Paul

How are the young people supposed to say what they want to be taught? If they havent been taught it then they don't know that they don't have it - and if they know what they want then they'll have already learnt it in life.

Life teaches relationships better than teachers.

i really don't agree with that how are you supposed to answer any life questions without having being introduced to them. You aren't gonna wake up one moment and suddenly want to know about these things. Also it could be dangerous later on in life if we aren't introduced to it as this could lead to more teenage pregnancies.

[EmmaGallen]

I think that asking pupils what they want to be taught works in that they can find out from other schools what they have learnt so they kniw what has been omitted. I think the relationships is a big deal, and here it is of such importance that the R comses before the S.

[Katrina]

Originally Posted by EmmaGallen

I think that asking pupils what they want to be taught works in that they can find out from other schools what they have learnt so they kniw what has been omitted. I think the relationships is a big deal, and here it is of such importance that the R comses before the S.

can you honestly say that you would ask about this stuff

[EmmaGallen]

Originally Posted by Katrina

can you honestly say that you would ask about this stuff

To people in other schools? Yeah and I do?
With teachers? Maybe some. Just in a banter style. If I can have the conversation with my mum I'm sure I can with a teacher.

[Marcus89]

Relationships are built through experiance, not taught in a classroom. It would be silly to put it into practice.

[SHARK]

life is not about being taught one thing all over and over again rather life is about learning new things every day in order know what you want in life you have ot work for it there is no point of saying oh that they know what they want to achieve fair enough but in order to achieve they need to go some of the things that they learnt in the past say not that i am free until the task that was set has not be yet complete.

[make.me.smile]

You cannot learn about relationships in textbooks, or by having a teacher talk to you about them. School in itself teaches you how relationships work. Every day you socialise with people and learn what is acceptable and what is not. Basics of any relationships are taught subconsciously.
I do agree relationships and sex should be more closely linked, but I doubt it'd make much of a difference when it comes to SRE

[Marcus89]

Can you imagine it -

Relationship test GSCE

1) On the first date, do you -

a) Go out to the cinema
b) Go for a quiet drink
c) Go for a meal
d) Skip all above and try your chance for "coffee"

100% of all teenage boys would choose d!! (just joking..99% would )