U.K. Sex Education: No 'Right' or 'Wrong' in Sex

LONDON, Feb. 24, 2009— -- When is the right time to talk to your children about sex? The British government has come up with a new strategy to fight teenage pregnancy after the controversial story of 13-year-old father Alfie Patten stirred a nationwide debate. Britain has currently the highest pregnancy rate in Western Europe.

According to the government's latest advice, the cutoff age is no later than 13 years old.

A pamphlet titled "Talking to Your Teenager About Sex and Relationships" encourages parents to educate their children about sex without telling them what is right or wrong.

The pamphlet states, "Discussing your values with your teenagers will help them to form their own. Remember, though, that trying to convince them of what's right and wrong may discourage them from being open."

Promoting a more open attitude toward the topic, the pamphlet encourages parents to support their "teenager to visit their local clinic or GP, so they can make a choice that's right for them. Why not offer to go with your daughter or encourage them to take a friend? Or if you have a teenage son, suggest he talk to his girlfriend about and visit a clinic with her."

This pamphlet is part of the government's new teenage pregnancy strategy and will be available in pharmacies around the United Kingdom starting March 5. There will also be nearly $772,000 made available to the Family Planning Association to train professionals to "help parents talk to their children about sex and relationships."

"Make talking about sex a part of everyday life," states the government Web site. "Start when your child is young; don't wait until they reach puberty, as that can make it awkward. Use everyday media to start conversations."

If parents take the last part of this advice, they will have a lot to talk about, for sure. The case that triggered this campaign is that of 13-year-old Alfie Patten, who reportedly became father of baby Maisie with his girlfriend Chantelle Steadman, 15.

Alfie Patten is at the age the U.K. government advises parents to start talking about sexual health. But parents should "try to accept that your teenager will probably not have the same values as you when it comes to sex, and that such differences are an inevitable part of them growing up."