Sex clinics will be open in every secondary school and college

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-01-05 10:03

Test results: UK rates of teenage pregnancy are the highest in Europe.[Agencies]

Ministers have set a target for all schools to achieve 'healthy' status by next year.

This means they must either set up clinics or refer youngsters to similar services in the community. But there is concern about the permissive approach of many clinics.

Researchers in Bristol, who studied 16 school-based clinics catering for 11,805 pupils, found that only one in four youngsters who attended were advised to consider delaying sexual activity.

A major study in the U.S. found the evidence was 'not strong' that clinics increase contraceptive use or bring down teen pregnancies.

UK rates of teenage pregnancy are the highest in Europe and the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show a shock increase last year, despite a ten-year Government strategy aimed at cutting rates by half.

Critics say the increase casts serious doubt on the policy of increasing access to contraception and sex education.

Norman Wells, director of the Family Education Trust, said: 'Sexual health clinics on school premises send out the message that it is normal for schoolchildren to engage in sexual activity.

'Confidential clinics in schools are part of a mix that is removing the restraints which previously limited underage sexual activity.

'There is no evidence that school clinics result in lower teenage conception rates. Instead, they encourage some teenagers to become sexually active when they would not otherwise have done so.

'The fact that these clinics keep parents in the dark is also a great concern. Confidentiality policies drive a wedge between parents and children and expose young people to the risk of abuse and disease.'

Children's minister Beverley Hughes said: 'The Government supports the provision of on-site services where schools have identified a need and where the scope of the service has been agreed by the school's governing body following consultation with parents.

'On-site services provide young people with swift and easy access to health advice that survey evidence suggests they are reluctant to access through GPs or clinics.'

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