Lisa Handy, RSHE Manager, Coram SCARF
One of the most valuable aspects of the RSHE curriculum is its potential for proactive prevention. By strategically integrating topics related to physical and emotional wellbeing, consent, healthy relationships, and safer sex, teachers can help children and young people build the skills and knowledge that prevent or mitigate unhealthy or harmful patterns and behaviours.
RSHE was made statutory in England in September 2020 and provided an opportunity to modernise and update the curriculum to reflect contemporary issues and challenges for a digital-first generation, as well as evolving societal changes. Prevailing attitudes recognise the importance of addressing these issues openly and comprehensively in schools, to equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need in the modern world. Many families have the desire to have these conversations but often feel ill-equipped and unconfident to do so.
The need to prepare children and young people for the modern world is compounded by the rise of the internet and social media, where they have access to a wide range of information and influences related to relationships, sex, and health - some of which are not healthy and have the potential to be harmful. Statutory RSHE helps ensure that children and young people receive accurate and reliable information at a timely point, which helps dispel myths and provides them with the skills to be critical of the media they consume and may be influenced by.
This approach also helps to protect their mental health, which is needed now more than ever, with 1 in 6 young people identified as having a probable mental health disorder. By teaching children and young people about emotions, stress management, and coping strategies, teachers can empower them to navigate the challenges they might face, including anxiety, depression, and peer pressure. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the risk of mental health issues developing in the future and this is complemented by a curriculum that emphasises diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. By educating children and young people about different cultures, identities and orientations, teachers can help prevent discrimination, prejudice, and bullying. This fosters a more inclusive and accepting society, reducing the risk of harm to marginalised groups.
The statutory guidance mandates parental involvement in developing the RSHE policy and curriculum, recognising them as the primary educators of their children. Schools should offer various ways for parents to engage, empowering them to support their children's learning, especially in discussing relationships, changes in adolescence, and related topics at home. Durham University's study shows that 77% of parents value joint efforts between parents/carers and schools in teaching accurate relationship and sex information, highlighting the need for collaborative approaches.
RSHE teaches pupils about the key components of healthy relationships by promoting healthy boundaries, and understanding and respecting the boundaries of others - this can play a crucial role in preventing relationship violence, harassment, and domestic violence and in promoting emotional wellbeing. It also plays a crucial role in safeguarding children by helping them recognise and report any inappropriate behaviour, abuse, or exploitation.
Comprehensive RSHE can address disparities in sexual health and relationships education by providing all children and young people with equal access to essential information, regardless of their background or location. In secondary school, this includes information on safer sex, sexually transmitted infections, contraception and how to access local sexual health services. When young people are taught how to evaluate risks, consider consequences, make informed choices and access accurate information, they are empowered to avoid harmful behaviours and situations.
The RSHE curriculum is a powerful tool for prevention, allowing teachers to take a proactive approach to many issues, from sexual health to mental wellbeing and healthy relationships. By fostering open communication, promoting emotional wellbeing, empowering children and young people with knowledge, nurturing respect and consent, addressing diversity and inclusion, and fostering decision-making skills, teachers can play a pivotal role in preventing a wide range of issues that young people may encounter in their lives. In doing so, they help create a healthier and more informed society for future generations.
Lisa will be speaking about this topic in more detail at CST’s next Trust Safeguarding Conference on 25 January 2024 in Birmingham. Learn more and browse the programme.
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