Under consideration PE2225: Urgent Independent Safeguarding Review and Temporary Suspension of Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) education in Scotland
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to commission an urgent, independent safeguarding review of Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) education in Scottish schools, and to introduce a temporary suspension of delivery of RSHP education while this review is carried out.
This review must examine whether RSHP content is consistently age-appropriate and suitable for children’s developmental stages across all year groups.
Background information
Concerns have been raised by some parents and carers that there is significant inconsistency in how RSHP education is delivered across Scotland, particularly in relation to the age-appropriateness of materials and the way sensitive topics are introduced in primary education.
There is concern that some children may be exposed to content that they are not developmentally ready to process, which may lead to confusion, distress, or difficulty in understanding personal boundaries and safeguarding concepts without sufficient context or support.
Concerns have also been raised regarding safeguarding capacity within the classroom environment, including whether all teaching staff are adequately trained and supported to manage sensitive discussions and potential pupil disclosures in a safe and appropriate manner.
Further concern exists regarding children with additional support needs or trauma histories.
46 signatures
This petition is now under consideration
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