We are calling for urgent changes to Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) in schools. Too many children and young people are growing up without the knowledge they need to stay safe, understand their rights, and build healthy relationships. Survivors of child-on-child sexual abuse (COCSA), child sexual abuse (CSA), and harassment are being failed because schools are not teaching important topics like consent, boundaries, and recognising abuse.

 Children are left confused, unsafe, and unsure of how to speak up — some don’t even know that taking a condom off without permission is rape.

We believe RSE should start at age 4, with age-appropriate lessons that grow as children get older. Young children should learn the correct names for body parts, that their body belongs to them, and that no one is allowed to touch them without permission, not even other children. They should know it’s okay to wave or high-five instead of hugging or kissing family members. They should also learn to ask before touching others, to say “no”, and to find safe adults to talk to if something feels wrong.

As they get older, young people need to learn about consent, spotting signs of domestic violence and coercive control, how to report abuse, and how to be an active bystander when someone is being harassed. Lessons should include healthy relationships, financial safety, periods, infertility, pleasure, and setting personal boundaries. They also need to learn that pressuring someone is never okay, and that they have the right to say no — always.

We want schools to talk openly about revenge porn and intimate image abuse, including the risks faced by Muslim women and other marginalised groups when they are photographed without their hijab or in ways that go against their values. We also want schools to cover grooming, forced marriage, and the punishments for serious crimes like stalking, harassment, sexual assault, and domestic violence. It’s time to stop avoiding these subjects.

The Prime Minister recently suggested showing the TV series Adolescence in schools. But this is not the solution. RSE is not about drama or headlines — it’s about facts, safety, and giving young people the tools to protect themselves and others. A TV show won’t teach children what they really need to know — only proper, compulsory education can do that.

That’s why we’re taking action. We will be protesting outside the House of Commons during Prime Minister’s Questions. If you believe children and young people deserve better, please come and join us in Westminster. Together, we can make sure all children are given the chance to grow up safe, strong, and informed.