Pubdate: Fri, 28 Jan 2000
Source: Daily Telegraph (UK)
Copyright: Telegraph Group Limited 2000
Contact:  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/
Author: Liz Lightfoot, Education Correspondent

PUPIL SURVEY ON SEX AND DRUGS ANGERS PARENTS

A PARENTS' group has criticised a health education questionnaire which asks
children of 11 and 12 about their favourite illegal drugs.

The survey in North Yorkshire schools asks the children how many times they
have been stoned on drugs and how many in their age group are having sex.
Its authors say they want honest answers and children are able to tick a box
saying "I do not use illegal drugs".

Results of the survey of 6,000 pupils at six secondary schools will be used
in framing personal, social and health education lessons. But teachers at
one school complained that the questions were suggestive because of the lack
of overtones of whether it was right or wrong.

Margaret Morrisey, spokesman for the National Confederation of Parent
Teacher Associations, backed the teachers. She said: "I am sure if parents
had been consulted about it they would not have been happy. Personally I
would raise hell if my children were given anything like this."

Nick Seaton, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, said the number of
questions on drugs and sex were inappropriate for children of 11 and 12. He
said: "A lot of pupils reading these questions are going to think this sort
of behaviour is normal at their age. It goes way beyond the sort of
questions children should be asked in school."

Question included:

*Do you miss your favourite illegal drug if you don't use it for a while?

*Roughly how many times have you been stoned on illegal drugs?

*Smoking cannabis makes parties more fun? (yes or no).

*You don't have to use condoms if you are in a steady relationship? (yes or
no).

*Most kids my age are having sex? (yes or no).

*HIV/Aids is mainly caught by gays? (Pupils were asked if they agreed, were
not sure, or disagreed).

David Uffindall, coordinating tutor for health education at North Yorkshire
county council, said it was a sensitive survey but to get helpful responses
they had to take a risk. He said: "Children are going to have to deal with
these sort of things in real life. This survey could help save some people's
lives or improve people's lives.

"We want a clear picture of what is happening in schools. These are
difficult issues and we have to find ways and means of helping young people
to make responsible and sensible decisions." Schools and parents had been
consulted on the questions in advance, he said, and teachers would give
guidance on questions children did not understand.
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