YOUNG PEOPLE’S VIEWS ON RELATIONSHIPS, SEXUAL HEALTH AND PARENTING (RSHP) EDUCATION AT SCHOOL Healthy Respect and Partners Network Meeting Dr Colin Morrison

YOUNG PEOPLE’S VIEWS ON RSHP EDUCATION AT SCHOOL The consultation asked young people from S1 through to S6 about their views on the learning they do at school on the topics of growing up and puberty, relationships and being a parent. Young people in S2 to S6 also talked about learning about sexual health. 19 secondary schools across the Lothians took part; 18 non-denominational and 1 denominational schools. There were three ways to get involved. 71 young people took part in small group discussions with the researcher. 152 young people took part whole class workshops and they ran their own small group discussions and took notes on flipcharts. 731 young people completed a survey.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S VIEWS ON RSHP EDUCATION AT SCHOOL Young people were asked what they remember learning. ‘Remembering’ what they have learned allowed the consultation to identify what topics are being covered in RSHP education. There was strong recognition of the RSHP topics. Young people report that teachers use a range of approaches to facilitate learning and participation, with a mix of interactive and group/discussion based approaches as well as opportunities to ask questions. In a majority of classes teachers use materials to talk about ‘real-life’ situations, this can be extended into thinking about situations or scenarios and what the young person would do.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S VIEWS ON RSHP EDUCATION AT SCHOOL Some issues can impact on the quality of RSHP learning: boys and girls learning together; confidence to participate or ask questions; behaviour; getting into detail. When it comes to facilitating RSHP learning these things matter: teacher confidence; teacher planning; teacher’s knowledge of social media; consistency and relationships between learner and teacher. When it comes to talking about RSHP topics at home it depends on the topic. Talking at home might be a good idea, but it might lead to parental worry and too many questions.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S VIEWS ON RSHP EDUCATION AT SCHOOL When it comes to the impact of RSHP education at school there is strong evidence from young people about impact in terms of: Empathy and growing up as a shared experience. Basic awareness of contraception and avoidance of STIs. Finding support and services. Online behaviours and media literacy. Learning about parenting. Consent, pressure and safety. Awareness of rights, values and aspirations.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S VIEWS ON RSHP EDUCATION AT SCHOOL Most young people like the learning they do on these topics. When it comes to young people’s views on their RSHP education, from the survey we learned that: 8% said it is excellent. 29% said it is very good. 37% said it is good. 22% said it is just ok. Only 2% said it is not good and only 2% said it is bad.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S VIEWS ON RSHP EDUCATION AT SCHOOL Young people were asked whether they think that it is important that they learn about RSHP topics and about the importance of school as the setting for this learning. 90.4% of young people agree or strongly agree that learning about growing up and puberty is important; 90.3% that learning about sexual health is important; 86.4% that learning about relationships is important; 83% that learning about parenting is important. Around 2 in 3 young people agree that school is the place where they learn most about RSHP topics. Around 2 in 3 young people indicated an interest in doing more RSHP learning.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S VIEWS ON RSHP EDUCATION AT SCHOOL How could RSHP Education be better? Assert and confirm that RSHP education is important. Maintain a focus on learner/teacher relationships and support for excellent teaching. Build opportunities for interactive and discussion-based approaches and ‘real life’ learning. Ensure progression and choice. Improve learning about LGBT identities and sexuality. Support learning about sexual intercourse. Extend learning about being a parent. Enhance learning about relationships. Help improve conversations at home. Improve engagement for all learners across RSHP education.