Emma Cormie is calling for a change to how sex education is taught (Image: The Northern Scot / SWNS)
Emma Cormie, from Moray, Scotland, claims that her nine year old daughter was left feeling “anxious” and “stressed” after being exposed to these images.
The contentious material forms part of the RSHP (Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood) education programme, a component of the Health and Wellbeing area of the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland. The programme’s second level, known as “Progression 1,” includes a slideshow with a basic description of sex, an explanation of pregnancy, and the correct terminology for body parts.
One slide features a cartoon depiction of a penis, explaining what an erection is, while another presents a drawing of a cartoon couple in bed, accompanied by a rudimentary description of sexual intercourse. Other slides detail the changes that occur during puberty and provide a straightforward explanation of how pregnancy happens.
Notably, the slideshow also contains a photograph of a real-life naked man and woman.
Mrs Cormie expressed her frustration that the school, whose name she chose not to disclose, did not give her prior notice about this particular aspect of the curriculum.
Mrs Cormie has voiced her dismay over the lack of direct communication from her child’s school regarding the start of sex education, stating: “I absolutely would have wanted a personal email to inform me that this was starting.
“That way I could have supported my daughter through it.”
A section of the slideshow provided on RHSP website. (Image: RSHP / SWNS)
She said she felt out of the loop: “I asked other parents if they knew this was starting and I found out it was put on the school blog but there was no explicit notice given.
“But then I got sent the official teaching materials from the RSHP.
“I was just utterly shocked at what I was seeing.”
“It was far beyond any kind of expectation that I had for this subject for this age of children.”
The impact on her daughter was immediate and concerning: “My whole concern is that my daughter showed extreme anxiety after getting this programme in school.
“She did not want to attend school the next day.”
In Scotland, the RSHP curriculum covers sex education and is touted by the Scottish Government as providing comprehensive learning activities for children in various educational stages. It addresses topics such as physical changes, sexual health, sexuality, parenting roles, and positive relationships.
However, Mrs Cormie is sceptical about the suitability of some of the material for certain age groups. Her Facebook post, which included excerpts intended for P7 students, resonated with many who echoed her concerns.
She questioned the curriculum’s suitability for younger pupils: “Does Anyone here put their 9- 11 year olds to school to learn how to have sex? I have major major safety concerns with this content which is part of the curriculum for p5s to p7.
”My daughter and her friends have felt wholly uncomfortable which which proves to me it’s absolutely not age appropriate.
“They haven’t seen the slides pictured yet and my daughter won’t. Are you happy for your child to be exposed to this? They are 5 years younger than the age of consent. happy to take PMs from anyone else who shares my concerns.
“I’m awaiting response from the school I want to know who has authorised this content, and on what basis. Is there any evidence that is beneficial for children of this age?
”Learning about body functions and changes is necessary, learning how to have sex at 11 years old is absolutely not in my opinion.
”The sexualisation of our children is a sickness that needs to stop. It’s diseased tentacles running through our institutions, popular culture and of course social media.
A section of the slideshow provided on RHSP website. (Image: RSHP / SWNS)
”Parents need to check through all this content to see what you feel is age appropriate for your child.
”Our kids get one childhood, innocent childhood a thing of the past. Enough is enough ????????
”<a href=”https://rshp.scot/second-level/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>https://rshp.scot/second-level/</a> is where you can find all the information these diagrams are intended for 11 year olds/ p7.”
The post has sparked nearly 200 comments, with many purportedly from parents who disagree with the level of sex education being provided.
Mrs Cormie insists she is not against RSHP but urges more parental involvement and a reassessment of the current curriculum.
“My whole issue is with the policy-making because I need to know what research has been done to determine this to be age-appropriate.
“Obviously I’ve been told that it’s normal for children to be embarrassed and so on but at what point is it harmful to a very young child.”
She stressed the importance of parental involvement and understanding, adding: “Parents know their children best and teachers are under enough stress as it is so there needs to be more liaising with parents.
“There is absolutely a need to cover these topics that are essential for our children to know about but that is very very different from some of this material.
“Let our children be children. They have one childhood.”
In response, Moray Council has pointed out that while teachers have some leeway in their curriculum, they must adhere to national guidance. The council underscored the importance of communicating with parents, particularly when sensitive material is addressed in school.
A spokesperson for the council elaborated: “The level and form of communication may vary, but schools do make efforts to inform parents when sensitive topics are being introduced, ensuring they are aware and can engage in the process.
“Schools encourage parents/carers to raise any concerns they may have, ensuring that their requests are addressed in a way that aligns with both the family’s needs and the school’s educational responsibilities.”