A council has been criticised for creating a PowerPoint presentation that appeared to endorse strangulation during sex that was intended to be used in schools. The slides included the sentence: "It is never OK to start choking someone without asking them first." Bridgend council said it was part of a "draft version", never shown to children and the slides were dropped following feedback from professionals. But experts and politician Natasha Asghar have asked why the Welsh authority "deemed appropriate" to include an illegal act in any draft of the presentation. Bridgend council commissioned the school resource from their in-house domestic abuse service, called Assia, and a presentation was leaked last year. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Wales' First Minister Eluned Morgan were among those sent an open letter raising concerns of parents and professionals that deliver sex education lessons. Claire Waxman, the Victims' Commissioner for London, also told The Times that the material was "deeply concerning". Former Conservative MEP Baroness Jacqueline Foster also spoke out, telling Parliament that non-fatal strangulation was a criminal offence that could be punished with imprisonment. The Welsh government said non-fatal strangulation was "dangerous and illegal" and added the resources Bridgend council gave schools "make this clear". Bridgend council have since issued a"clarification" statementthat said "the slides were part of inaccurate or out-of-date information that was either updated or removed". But it raised further questions as to why the material and messaging existed in the first place, so BBC Wales asked them for more information. The authority said the slide was part of an "active presentation". "The idea was that the presenter would use the slide to stimulate debate before advising participants that non-fatal strangulation is actually a dangerous, illegal crime which carries significant penalties," said Bridgend council's statement. They said that part of the presentation was dropped following feedback from professionals consulted during the drafting process. Sources including Michael Conroy, who trains professionals like teachers to deliver sex education lessons, have told the BBC that they understand the presentation was offered to schools and youth settings to show. However, the council denied this and said it was only sent "as a work in progress with a small group of professionals for their insight and views". "It was presented as this is what we will teach to children, there was intention there," said Mr Conroy, a former personal, social and health education co-ordinator in schools, who did not receive the presentation from the council directly. When Mr Conroy first saw the slide in question, he said it was "terrifying" and there was not any additional information about safety on other slides. "The idea that someone is saying it's ok to strangle a person if you get a yes is atrocious," added Mr Conroy ofMen at Work. "It's the opposite of safeguarding, it's a terrible breach of trust." Welsh Parliament member Natasha Asghar said she had been contacted by "concerned parents" and called for Bridgend council to release the material. "I'm requesting both versions of this PowerPoint presentation," said the Conservative Senedd member who sits on the Children, Young People and Education Committee. "We shouldn't disguise the fact those responsible for creating the content originally deemed this appropriate. We need to look into this to make sure children are being taught properly." Despite the council saying that the slide was not to be used in isolation, she said: "It does not negate from that fact those responsible for the content originally deemed it appropriate. This is where I have my concerns." Ms Asghar said she had written to the council leader but was without a reply. The example has raised concerns from parents, experts and politicians about what is being taught to children in school during sex education lessons. "I know government will dismiss this as the work of just one sex ed provider but all parents should ask to see the materials their children are being taught in PHSE," said Fiona Mackenzie, who led a campaign to end the so-called rough sex defence in the Domestic Abuse bill. "This is up to government to take control of sex ed materials, opening sex ed up to the market means anyone can set up to tell children how to have sex." Bridgend council said in a statement: "We want to again confirm that local children are not being taught to believe that dangerous sexual behaviour is acceptable as long as consent is in place." The Welsh government reiterated that "at no point were inappropriate materials shared for use in schools or seen by learners". They said they had given extra funding to provide "expertise and support" to schools and local authorities and make sure resources were "age appropriate and in line with legal requirements". "We have always been clear that any resources must be developmentally appropriate and in line with the legal requirements of the mandatory Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) Code," the Welsh government statement added. The UK government have been approached for comment. If you've been affected by the issues in this story, help and support is available via theBBC Action Line.
Concerns over strangulation during sex presentation plan
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"Bridgend Council Faces Backlash Over Controversial Sex Education Presentation"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Bridgend council has faced significant backlash for a PowerPoint presentation draft intended for school sex education that appeared to endorse strangulation during sexual activity. The controversial slide contained the phrase, "It is never OK to start choking someone without asking them first," prompting outrage from experts and politicians alike. Critics, including Welsh Parliament member Natasha Asghar, questioned the appropriateness of including such content in any educational material, especially given that non-fatal strangulation is a criminal offense. The council clarified that the draft was never shown to children and was part of an evolving resource that was ultimately discarded after receiving feedback from professionals. Nonetheless, the incident raised serious concerns about the messages being conveyed to students regarding consent and safety in sexual relationships.
In response to the public outcry, Bridgend council stated that the presentation aimed to provoke discussion while emphasizing that non-fatal strangulation is illegal. However, experts like Michael Conroy highlighted that the initial inclusion of such a statement was alarming and lacked sufficient context regarding safety. The Welsh government reiterated that no inappropriate materials were distributed to schools and that they are committed to ensuring sex education resources adhere to legal and developmental standards. The situation has sparked broader discussions about the quality and oversight of sex education materials in schools, with calls for greater scrutiny and accountability from both local authorities and the government. Parents, educators, and advocacy groups are urging that comprehensive reviews of sex education curricula be conducted to prevent similar issues in the future, emphasizing the need for age-appropriate and legally compliant educational content.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights significant concerns regarding a PowerPoint presentation created by Bridgend council that appeared to endorse strangulation during sexual activity. This incident has sparked criticism from various professionals and politicians, raising questions about the appropriateness of including such content in educational materials.
Public Perception and Concerns
There is a growing apprehension within the community about how sexual education is handled, particularly regarding potentially harmful practices like strangulation. The inclusion of a statement like "It is never OK to start choking someone without asking them first" suggests a troubling normalization of dangerous behavior. Critics are concerned about the implications of teaching young people about such activities, even in a condemning context, as it may inadvertently endorse or trivialize them.
Questions on Legitimacy and Context
Bridgend council’s explanation that the presentation was a draft and not shown to children raises further questions. Why was such content in any draft version? The backlash suggests a disconnect between the council’s intentions and public expectations regarding educational materials. This incident could be seen as a failure of oversight, prompting demands for greater accountability in the creation of educational resources.
Political and Social Implications
The reaction from high-profile figures, including the Prime Minister and the First Minister of Wales, indicates the political weight of this issue. It highlights a broader social concern about the adequacy of sexual education in schools and the potential for harmful practices to be included in curricula. This incident could lead to increased scrutiny of educational policies and practices, potentially resulting in reforms aimed at ensuring that such materials are appropriate and safe.
Impact on Communities and Stakeholders
The article may resonate particularly with parents, educators, and advocacy groups focused on domestic abuse and sexual health. These communities likely support calls for more rigorous standards in educational content, especially regarding sensitive topics like consent and safety. The potential for advocacy to influence policy changes could reshape how sexual education is approached in schools.
Economic and Market Implications
While this specific incident may not have direct implications for stock markets or global economic trends, it does reflect broader societal issues that could influence market sentiments related to educational services and public health initiatives. Companies involved in educational materials could face reputational risks if they fail to address community concerns adequately.
Global Context and Relevance
The concerns raised in this article are not isolated to Wales but reflect a global dialogue on sexual health education and the importance of teaching consent and safe practices. As societies continue to grapple with issues of violence and consent, this incident may contribute to a larger conversation about how education systems can evolve to better serve students and communities.
Artificial Intelligence Considerations
There is no clear evidence that artificial intelligence was used in the creation of this article. However, if AI were involved, it might have influenced the language used to frame the issue or shaped the focus of the presentation’s critique. The tone and framing of sensitive topics like this are critical, and AI tools could potentially affect how such discussions are presented in media.
In conclusion, the article sheds light on serious issues within sexual education and the responsibilities of educational authorities. The public outcry reflects a desire for safer, more responsible educational content that prioritizes the well-being of students. The legitimacy of the council's actions and the broader implications for educational policy remain critical areas of concern.