AFRO-NETS> (UK) Government urges under-16s to experiment... - More information

[A Odutola <chpss_abo@yahoo.com>]

(UK) Government urges under-16s to experiment... - More information
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Dear All,

Dr. John Rees of Exeter University, UK and Program Officer of the "A 
PAUSE" programme reacts as shown below to the negative and sensa-
tional press the program has generated in the UK. He contends that "A 
PAUSE" is not merely about teaching under - 16's to undertake oral 
sex and provides more insight into the program. 

Read on: 

--
Given the sensationalist headlines about A PAUSE in recent press cov-
erage, it is understandable that some people have misunderstood the 
programme.

It is misleading and inaccurate to contend that the A PAUSE programme 
encourages teenagers to experiment with oral sex. If the UK is to ad-
dress the appallingly high incidence of teenage pregnancy and sexu-
ally transmitted infection we must train teachers, health profession-
als and young people to deal sensitively, appropriately and responsi-
bly with the many pressures they experience regarding sex and rela-
tionships. National media also have responsibilities.

Students are reminded of the legal age of consent, by adults and by 
slightly older young people whose opinions they trust. The sessions 
help them to resist peer and other pressures and give them the confi-
dence and skills to make healthy decisions about sex and their own 
relationships. The programme has demonstrated, uniquely in Europe, 
evidence of changes in young people's beliefs and behaviour.

At 16, young people who have participated in A PAUSE are less likely 
to have had sex and less likely to think that sex should be part of 
under 16's relationships.

A PAUSE follows the requirements of the National Curriculum and De-
partment for Education and Skills guidance about teaching Sex and Re-
lationship and supports schools in their delivery of effective Sex 
and Relationships Education. However, the theoretical basis and prac-
tical application of A PAUSE is not aimed exclusively at meeting the 
public health agenda.

A PAUSE supports approaches to 'whole school' issues such as ethos, 
teaching and learning styles and school improvement. The programme is 
widely appreciated across increasing numbers of schools and enables 
young people to resist all levels of inappropriately early sexual in-
volvement.

For more information about A PAUSE, 
a) Download programme brief (172 KB. Virus free) from:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Datelinehealth-Nigeria/files/A%20PAUSE%20programme%20brief%20.DOC

b) Visit A PAUSE website at: 
http://www.ex.ac.uk/sshs/apause 
And/Or 
c) Contact Dr. J.B. Rees for more information
mailto:J.B.Rees@exeter.ac.uk

--
A. Odutola 
mailto:chpss_abo@yahoo.com

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