Boys losing out in sex education

Schools need to take boys' sex education more seriously, the Sex Education Forum said yesterday. The traditional male way of learning about sex during giggles behind the bike sheds can be dangerous because boys may be scared to show their ignorance, according to the forum's research.

Discussion in groups also limits opportunities for talking about feelings. Boys experience a high level of peer pressure to lose their virginity early and "many young men learn about sex through pornography".

The forum says schools should consider teaching boys separately for at least some sex education lessons and should consult them about what they want to know. They should also try to ensure that male teachers are involved in some teaching.

Supporting Sex and Relationships Education for Boys and Young Men, Sex Education Forum, National Children's Bureau, 8 Wakeley St, London EC1V 7QE. Send SAE. Judith Judd