A homework project asking pupils as young as 11 to look out for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) characters and references in TV shows, has been launched by the Sex Education Forum .
The game, which requires pupils to cross off a square on a card each time they see an LGBT character or reference on TV, encourages children to analyse how same-sex relationships are portrayed in the media.
It is one in a series of teaching resources developed by the Forum, which campaigns for compulsory sex education in schools, and was launched in its recent e-magazine aimed at primary and secondary school teachers.
The move has attracted criticism from campaigners who say that the topic is ‘inappropriate’ for a homework project for children.
Norman Wells, director of the Family Education Trust, said the move would not be backed by many parents since it promoted an “unhealthy obsession with sex.”
He added: “This activity encourages pupils to focus on sexual characteristics and behaviour to the exclusion of everything else. It also gives disproportionate attention to lifestyles and sexual feelings which are very much in the minority.”
Read more (Daily Mail) >