Thousands of children as young as 13 are contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), a new study has highlighted.
Figures obtained by The Daily Star from the Public Health England study show that, in the past five years, 178,845 teenagers under 19 contracted chlamydia. Of that number, 2,938 were between the ages of 13 and 14.
The report also says that, every day, two children under the age of sexual consent are contracting diseases such as genital herpes.
In light of these concerning statistics, Christian Concern’s Chief Executive, Andrea Williams, has said that there needs to be a drastic change in how young people are taught about sex and relationships.
"Parents must take primary responsibility for this, but we also need the Church to promote more strongly the message of sexual purity and wholeness, that stems from the Bible’s teaching," she said.
Sex and relationship education
Earlier this month, a letter from several MPs stated that sex and relationship education should be made compulsory in all schools. The letter pressured
Education Secretary Nicky Morgan to respond to previous recommendations from the education, health, home affairs and business committee chairmen, that PSHE, including sex education, should be taught in all primary and secondary schools.
Chair of the Education Committee Neil Carmichael said:
"As Chairs of four Select Committees, it is clear to us that the Secretary of State must work towards making PSHE and Sex and Relationships Education statutory in all schools, and we urge Nicky Morgan to make tackling the issue of PSHE in schools her New Year’s resolution."
Root of the problem not addressed
Andrea Williams responded by saying that, rather than pushing for further education, the government should recognise where the problem truly stems from.
"There has been evidence over the past several years that STIs in young people are increasing, despite more sex education,” she said.
"The fact that 13 and 14 year olds are sexually active is very concerning in itself, and simply educating children about the risk of infection will not address the root of the problem. Being taught that sex is normal from such a young age can only lead to brokenness and pain.
"We need is to counter this message of moral relativism with one that brings both physical and emotional wholeness, and this message is found in God’s design of sexual purity and abstinence until marriage."
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Related Coverage:
Thousands of children as young as 13 have been diagnosed with STIs in the last five years with the highest rates in Chlamydia (Mail)