New sex education programme rolled out in schools

New sex education programme is rolled out in schools to teach kids about consent – starting with ‘respectful relationships’ at age five

A new government website called The Good Society launched on Wednesday
It contains about 350 videos, podcasts and other materials to educate students
Children in primary school will be taught about respectful friendships not sex
Senior secondary students to be taught about consent and sexual relationships

By Charlie Moore, Political Reporter For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 19:43 EDT, 13 April 2021 | Updated: 19:50 EDT, 13 April 2021

Children as young as five will be taught about respectful relationships under a new federal government programme which launched on Wednesday.

A new government website called The Good Society contains about 350 videos, podcasts and other materials to educate students about relationships and consent.

Children in primary school will be taught about respectful friendships and will not discuss sex.

Children as young as five will be taught about respectful relationships under a new federal government programme which launched on Wednesday

Students starting secondary school will learn about peer pressure and discrimination and pupils in years 10 to 12 will learn about intimate relationships.

This will include learning about consent and meaning of the words ‘yes’, ‘no’, and ‘I don’t know’ in the context of sex.

Federal Education Minister Alan Tudge said the materials were designed to assist existing sex education classes in schools run by state governments.

‘These materials will provide additional support to better educate young Australians on these issues and have been designed to complement programs already being offered by states and territories,’ he said.

‘I will be discussing these matters further with my state and territory counterparts when we meet later this month.’

Children in primary school will be taught about respectful friendships and will not discuss sex

Minister for Women’s Safety Anne Ruston said it was important for children to learn about respectful relationships from a young age.

‘School years are crucial in a child’s development and we want to guarantee that whether it be at home, at school or even playing weekend sport, that kids and their parents have been informed about what is respectful behaviour and what is not,’ she said.

The teaching materials are part of the Respect Matters program, which was set up under the government’s women’s safety package in 2015.

What does the program teach?

Years F-6: In lower primary, students will focus on forming new friendship groups and navigating shared spaces respectfully. In middle primary, the focus progresses to belonging in different groups. In upper primary, students explore ethical decision-making in personal relationships

Years 7-9: Social relationships, including how students can negotiate the transition from primary to secondary school. Students will unpack the role that identity, group dynamics and attitudes and beliefs can have on the development of respectful relationships.

Years 10-12: Intimate relationships, including how to establish, manage and maintain respectful relationships. Students will learn about the interpersonal skills required to navigate respectful decision-making in personal relationships.

Source: The Good Society