Updated Handbook Encourages Parents to Discuss Sex and Relationships
Nurseries and Primary Schools in
Jersey will this week take delivery of a revised and
updated handbook designed by a local charity to encourage parents
to play a more active part in sex and relationship education.
AIDS Care Education and Training
Jersey (ACET) has arranged for 3,000 copies of its updated 'A
Parent's Toolkit' to be delivered by Romerils, after headteachers
and nursery managers requested extra copies of the publication for
distribution to parents and carers. 2,000 copies of the revised
Toolkit were also sponsored and distributed by Romerils earlier in
the year meaning that over 50 schools and nurseries will have
received supplies of the Toolkit this year.
The 90-page illustrated resource
aims to assist parents of pre-school and primary school children to
teach their own children about growing up and healthy
relationships. By providing practical information and ideas to help
parents talk more openly to their children about sex and
relationships, the Toolkit aims to help parents feel more confident
about answering often embarrassing questions.
Since the Toolkit was first
published in Jersey in 2002 after wide consultation with parents,
teachers, social workers and health professionals, a total of
20,000 copies have been printed and made available to parents free
of charge.
ACET is the only dedicated HIV/AIDS
organisation in Jersey and was established in the Island since
1994. It aims to provide care, education and training that is
effective, sensitive and appropriate to all members of the Island's
diverse community.
Rosemary Ruddy, Trustee of ACET
Jersey and author of the handbook, commented:
"One of ACET Jersey's key
objectives is to empower parents in their critical role as
educators of their own children. Every parent and every school
wants to see children grow up safely and be able as an adult to
enjoy the positive benefits of loving, rewarding and responsible
relationships. Parents consistently tell us that they are
embarrassed or uncertain about talking to young children about
feelings, relationships and sexuality. By acting as a resource for
parents, we believe that we can reach children at a young age,
offer them support and guidance and help them make informed
decisions about their relationships later in their lives.
"The Toolkit has proved to be an
effective resource for parents when it comes to teaching their
children about sex and relationships. We are delighted that we have
been able to update it and print an extra 5,000 copies this year as
a result of demand from both parents and schools. Our thanks go to
Romerils for their generous financial support as well as their help
in distributing the publication around the Island to different
school"
Last update September 2011