BASINGSTOKE MP Maria Miller has called for mandatory sex education after figures highlight a problem with 'sexting' among secondary school pupils.

It has been reported that an estimated 44,000 secondary school pupils have been caught sending explicit messages and sexual imagery, with one in 10 involving a 'non-school adult', raising fears that children are being targeted by paedophiles.

Mrs Miller, chair of the women and equalities select committee, has called for sex education lessons to be made compulsory in schools to address the "appalling" effect that sexting has on schoolchildren.

BASINGSTOKE MP Maria Miller has called for mandatory sex education after figures show an increase 'sexting' among secondary school pupils. 
It has been reported that an estimated 44,000 secondary school pupils have been caught sending explicit messages and sexual imagery, with one in 10 involving a 'non-school adult', raising fears that children are being targeted by paedophiles. 
Mrs Miller, chair of the women and equalities select committee, has called for sex education lessons to be made compulsory in schools to address the "appalling" effect that sexting has on schoolchildren. 


She added: “We have to stop sending out mixed messages to young people: sexting by people under 18 is damaging and should not be part of teenage relationships. Electronic images are difficult to keep private and can be widely distributed at the touch of a button. Removing private, intimate images that have been distributed without permission can be impossible leaving young people open to blackmail or having to live with those images being widely available on the Internet for family members and future employers to see. 


"New research shows that one in 10 cases involve an adult which means sexting can be a route for young people to be groomed too. The Government needs to be sure that schools report all cases of sexting to the police to ensure they are not part of a wider pattern of grooming or abuse by adults. At the moment no systematic records are kept to track whether this is the case. 


"Electronic communication and the internet have revolutionised young people's lives. But we need to be clear that many are struggling with the consequences. We need parents and schools to help better equip young people to tackle these new challenges. That is why I believe a new approach to sex and relationship education should be made a compulsory part of the school week, including raising awareness about sexting and the risks associated with it.”