BBC Sex Video for Children Blasted for 'Explicit' Penetration Scenes
Conservative Member of Parliament, Andrea Leadsom, has said she is appalled by a BBC sex education video aimed at children between the ages of nine and 11.
“This material is explicit. It is shattering the innocence of childhood,” Leadsom said, according to Mail Online.
The Sex and Relationship Education CD-Rom, produced by BBC, contains animated images of two cartoons having sex, as well as a graphic computer-generated sex sequence with voiceover explanations.
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The demonstrative video also uses the images of a naked man and woman to show children the differences between men and women, and provides explanations of masturbation and “wet dreams.”
“It was like a blue movie. Parents don't feel their views are being consulted. My son was shown it four years ago. I was told it was by the BBC and I was told it was called 'Living and Growing' and you just expect if it's by the BBC it will be okay,” Leadsom continued.
“I was utterly shocked by it when I saw it,” Leadsom added.
Leadsom has since brought the issue, and a petition, to the British Parliament after being contacted by parents angered over the computer-generated images of the couple having intercourse.
“It looks bizarre, it's not missionary, the woman is on top and there's a children's voiceover saying something like 'Ooh, it looks like they are having fun,’” Leadsom said.
“You see an erection and penetration and that's completely astonishing,” Leadsom added.
“Why is there a young child appearing to watch them?” Leadsome questions.
The video also discusses crushes and sexual feelings, both heterosexual and homosexual.
Leadsom told the Mail Online she believes sex education videos should be given a film-style rating as a guide for teachers.
BBC maintains that the video is appropriate, saying it was created after consulting experts in education and local authorities.
“All our resources provide clear guidance on age suitability,” BBC Active told Daily Mail. “They are designed to allow teachers to pick and choose the elements they feel are appropriate.”
Nick Gibb, the British Education Minister, has promised to look into the issue.
