New Scheme Has Scottish Teens Giving Sex Education to Younger Kids

Part of a new scheme to bring down the high rate of unwanted pregnancies in Scotland includes teenagers giving sex education lessons to younger children.

In the 45,000pound-a-year scheme, that has been launched at two secondary schools in Dundee, where teenage pregnancy rates are the highest in Europe, pupils as young as 14 have been trained to teach younger schoolmates about puberty, contraception and where to get advice on gay issues, reports The Scotsman.

The 11-year-olds receiving the lessons are encouraged to ask about sex and relationships in question-and-answer sessions.

The Health Buddies project has been introduced at Menzieshill High and Morgan Academy.

Pete Glen, the project's manager, said: "This has worked really positively and has huge potential. This is a challenging age group as there is a lot going on, but I have been impressed with how they have been up for the challenge.

"Young people have said it's more relevant and appropriate, and less embarrassing than having teachers deliver it.

"Teenage pregnancy is a long-term problem in NHS Tayside and youngsters should play a stronger role in their education.

"I would like to see this being developed as it is a quality initiative that should be learned from. Young people are more able and sophisticated than anybody thinks."

Source-ANI
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