Relationships and sex education for 16 to 18-year-olds could become mandatory under a new bill introduced by Labour MP Alistair Strathern, aimed at preventing violence against women and girls.
Strathern, who represents Hitchin, said his private member's bill would end a "postcode lottery" of provision for teenagers in further education and ensure all young people learn how to navigate complex relationship issues, recognize coercive control, and identify other forms of abuse.
"For too long, children in further education have missed out because of gaps in provision of relationships and sex education," Strathern said.
The MP, co-chair of the Labour group for men and boys, highlighted the influence of harmful online content. "At a time when the worst corners of the internet are preying on teenagers, with their own harmful takes on what makes a healthy relationship, we surely owe young people far better than this," he added.
Strathern noted that 16 to 19-year-olds face the highest rates of domestic abuse of any age group. "The real-world consequences of failing to act couldn't be clearer," he said.
The Relationships and Sex Education (Further Education Sector) Bill follows a petition by the survivor-led campaign group Make it Mandatory, which gathered over 106,000 signatures calling for sex education to be mandated up to age 18.
Faustine Petron, founder of Make it Mandatory, said: "As someone who experienced an abusive relationship I know how important such a change could be. We now need government to honour its commitment by taking it forward and ensuring it becomes law."
The End Violence Against Women Coalition and the Sex Education Forum also backed the bill. Lucy Emmerson, chief executive of the Sex Education Forum, said: "It makes complete sense to extend relationships and sex education to further education because this is the time when many young people will be starting their first romantic and sexual relationships. Having reliable information about healthy relationships provided by trusted adults is proven to help prevent harm."
Strathern was drawn 14th in the private members' bills ballot, and his draft legislation is due to be debated on a Friday in Parliament.