IAG report calls to make PSHE statutory in schools

National Strategy for Young People addressing Sex, Drugs and Alcohol- Independant Advisory Group on Sexual Health and HIV

A cross governmental national strategy to tackle drugs, alcohol misuse and risky sexual behaviour by young people is needed, says a seminar report by the Independent Advisory Group (IAG) on Sexual Health and HIV published today (Friday 15 June 2007).

Young people do not take risks, they ‘experiment and explore’, says the report.   In order to ensure that the strategy understands and meets young people’s needs, young people should have a central role in the strategy’s development.  

The link between risky sexual behaviour and drugs and alcohol misuse is well established.  Investment now to tackle these issues will be beneficial in terms of preventing long term problems, including social and medical care, as well as helping the next generation. 

“We applaud the various awareness campaigns for young people around sex, drugs and alcohol but they are not enough in isolation.  As well as health promotion and prevention messages, all involved should review the areas that potentially encourage the young to use alcohol and drugs, with the associated impact on sexual activity.” says Baroness Gould, Chair of the IAG.  

“We recommend that the Government works with manufacturers, advertisers and broadcasters to look at issues like advertising alcohol to the young and sexualisation of children’s toys.

 “As part of this – and as a bare minimum - the IAG believes schools must provide PSHE that helps young people negotiate today’s personal social and health issues.  This should be a statutory requirement,” she concludes.

The report recommends the following areas for intervention:

o Develop a national scheme incorporating all relevant agencies to provide holistic assessment, prevention and intervention services to address drugs and alcohol misuse and risky sexual behaviour.
o Reduce drug taking and alcohol consumption among young people.
o Statutory PSHE to ensure young people receive clear and factual information on the effects of drugs, alcohol and sex.
o Recognise the environment in which today’s young people are growing and determine what young people should be exposed to.
o Recognise the social, economic and emotional factors relevant to ensuring children and young people can be agents of their own health improvement.

Read the report