Michael Doherty, a father from Suffolk, decided to remove his daughter Sofia from her primary school after becoming concerned about certain topics in her sex education lessons. He believed that subjects like orgasms and anal sex were not appropriate for young children.
These lessons were part of a mandatory curriculum across the UK and were taught using materials from an external charity, the PSHE Association. When Doherty raised his concerns, the school denied that any sexual content was included and refused to share the teaching materials. The school cited the pandemic as the reason for keeping the materials private, which frustrated Doherty even more.
He felt that parents should have a right to know what their children are learning and should be able to give consent before sensitive subjects are introduced. Despite multiple attempts to discuss the issue with the school, he believed his concerns were dismissed. He ultimately decided to withdraw Sofia from the school to ensure she received an education that aligned with his values.
The case gained attention, leading the Department for Education to review the curriculum. Officials acknowledged that there was a problem and stated that parents should have access to teaching materials. As a result, the school removed a controversial BBC video that was being used in lessons and is now reviewing its materials.
This situation has sparked a larger debate about how much say parents should have in their children’s education. Some believe that discussing these topics at a young age is important for awareness and safety, while others feel that certain subjects should be introduced later, with parental approval.
The incident highlights the importance of transparency in schools. While sex education is meant to inform and protect children, many parents believe that schools should involve them more in deciding what is appropriate. Doherty’s decision to withdraw his daughter has made people think more about the balance between education and parental rights. This case continues to be part of a broader discussion on safeguarding children while ensuring they receive necessary knowledge in a way that respects family values.