CHARITIES in Somerset say parents and schools need to share the burden of educating children about sex and relationships to avoid abuse.

The Taunton branches of Stand Against Violence and the NSPCC have spoken out as other charities in the UK pushed for compulsory sex education in all schools in parliament this week.

Adam Fouracre, chairman of Stand Against Violence, thinks the bulk of sex education should come from parents, but added: “It would be good to make it compulsory in schools, but any changes would need to complement parental education.”

The NSPCC’s Peta Dyke said PHSE lessons should include life skills, such as decisionmaking, managing peer pressure and understanding risky behaviour.