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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
John Paul Clark

West Lothian schools refuse Scottish Government survey asking pupils about sex lives

West Lothian Council is refusing to distribute a Scottish Government questionnaire asking school pupils about their sex lives.

The Times reports that the council’s local education department vetoed the ‘wellbeing consensus,’ where pupils aged 14 were asked about their sexual relationships, drinking, smoking and drug-taking habits.

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However, West Lothian Council say they have reviewed the consensus and will not be using it because of “significant concerns.”

A spokesperson said: “We carried out a review of the proposed survey and this brought up some significant concerns. We have advised the government we will not issue it to West Lothian young people in its current format.”

The survey asks about their sleep patterns, social media, body image, bullying, health, physical activity and wellbeing.

However, the secondary school pupils are asked about sexual encounters and methods of contraception.

The Times report that one question for pupils from S4 to S6 says: “People have varying degrees of sexual experience. How much, if any, sexual experience have you had?” The multiple choice answers include oral sex, vaginal and anal sex.

The Scottish government said: “The census is providing information about the health and wellbeing of children and young people to help improve support.

"While the government has worked with stakeholders to design a set of questionnaires, it is for local authorities to determine which questions they ask. Parents and carers can opt out from their child taking part.”

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