EFFORTS to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies could be more successful if sex education began much earlier in primary schools, say county councillors.

Members of KCC investigating the quality of sex education in the county say schools should be encouraged to follow the example set by Holland, where pupils begin learning about sex at the age of six.

The country has one of the lowest teenage pregnancy rates of western Europe.

In a report by a KCC select committee examining the quality of Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE), county councillors found that too many schools provided only limited lessons about sex education and relationships, while too little was being done to involve pupils in discussions during those lessons.

Cllr Jane Cribbon (Lab), who chaired the investigation, said young people were “demanding” much better information about sexual health.

“What they want is good personal, social health education and they do not want it taught by the geography teacher with no [relevant] qualifications. They want it to start early. We might not be ready to be radical but the results from the Dutch model is what we should be working towards.”

The investigation also raised “significant concerns” about the lack of appropriate sex education classes in some schools and also highlighted concerns over the quality of teaching and advice.

Recent data indicates the number of under-16-year-olds becoming pregnant increased in Kent between 2003-2004, although the rate remains below the national average and recent evidence indicates the county rate is now declining.

However, county councillors said sex education in some schools was “too biological” and “not consistent and...assessment is normally poor.” Often teachers approached lessons on sex and relationships “with diffidence and reluctance” and there were not enough specialist teachers.

Teenagers were often prevented from getting advice about sexual health because schools inadvertently blocked access to websites on their computers which could help them with problems or questions they were embarrassed to discuss with staff or at home.

The report concluded: “The lack of provision, or disinclination to provide young people with sexual health information can be harmful.”

Fellow councillor Roland Tolputt (Con) echoed: “The current situation in Kent is totally unacceptable. A lot of children get their information from magazines like “Zoo” and “Nuts” or “Cosmo Girl.” That should not be happening.”

The report recommended there should be more school nurses in secondary schools, along with more sexual health clinics.