Sex education: The Sex Challenge

All young people have the same basic sex education needs. They need to understand reproduction, how their bodies work, contraception, health and relationships. And young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT), disabled, from Black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds or who have learning difficulties have the same basic needs.

But young people from minority groups can find it tougher to deal with psychological and biological changes if they feel isolated. They often benefit from time and space apart to address their particular issues.

But, in some cases, marginalising groups for separate sex education can be counterproductive. Youth workers should aim for integrated education, according to Anna Martinez, co-ordinator of the National Children's Bureau sex education forum. "When a school develops a policy, it's good practice to ensure the needs of all young people are considered," she says. "Some are specific, but most are general." Youth workers need to know when to be inclusive, and when to be targeted.