Thousands of children have been pulled out of sex education classes across Scotland in recent years, as parents voice growing concerns over the content of Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) lessons.
According to The Scotsman, at least 2,382 primary school pupils and 181 secondary school pupils have been withdrawn from RSHP classes since 2019 — though the true figure could be significantly higher, with data from major councils like Edinburgh and Glasgow not yet available.
Parental Concerns Over Content
The reasons behind the rising withdrawals are varied but share common themes:
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The use of “real-life” images of male and female anatomy
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Teaching around transgender topics
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Concerns over “inappropriate” language used in lessons
Complaints lodged with local councils highlight parents’ unease. Argyll and Bute Council, for example, reported complaints about “traumatising” images introduced in body part revision. Meanwhile, Scottish Borders Council received objections to the inclusion of transgender content, and Renfrewshire Council was criticised for allegedly failing to inform parents in advance of RSHP lessons.
Withdrawal Numbers Surge Post-Gender Reform Debate
Data shows a sharp spike in withdrawals coinciding with political debates on gender identity:
| Academic Year | Primary Withdrawals | Secondary Withdrawals |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 204 | N/A |
| 2022-23 | 427 | N/A |
| 2023-24 | 908 | N/A |
| 2024-25 (current) | 654 (so far) | 94 (so far) |
The timing is notable: in 2022, the Scottish Parliament passed controversial legislation lowering the legal age for gender recognition to 16, a move that sparked widespread debate and protest. Some parents link their withdrawal decisions directly to this political backdrop, saying it reflects a broader erosion of trust.
Politicians Weigh In
Political figures across parties are calling for a recalibration of how sex education is handled:
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Roz McCall MSP, Scottish Conservatives’ Deputy Spokesperson on Children:
“Parents should always be able to decide whether this sort of material is age-appropriate for their child.” -
Neale Hanvey MP, Deputy Leader of Alba Party:
“Parents must be regarded as active partners in such matters and have the right to know what their children are being taught.”
Hanvey also pointed to the “growing lack of trust” among parents, citing previous controversies such as the Scottish Government’s 2021 “sex survey” of pupils as a catalyst.
Government Response and New Guidance Incoming
A Scottish Government spokesperson defended the current approach, stressing that RSHP education must be “age and stage appropriate” and delivered sensitively.
The government is finalising updated RSHP guidance, expected to be published by the end of 2025. Drafts indicate an emphasis on:
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Involving parents and carers more regularly in discussions around curriculum content
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Respecting withdrawal requests and ensuring pupils who are withdrawn receive “alternative positive educational provision”
Current guidelines already allow for parental withdrawal but stress that schools should seek to engage families proactively to explain the value and content of RSHP lessons.
A Broader Debate About Parental Rights
The sharp rise in RSHP withdrawals taps into a broader societal discussion in Scotland about parental rights, state education, and gender policy. For many, it’s not simply a question of lesson content — it’s about who should have the final say over sensitive topics taught in classrooms.
As Scottish ministers prepare to release updated RSHP guidance, tensions remain high, and the debate shows no signs of calming
