Dumfries and Galloway school pupils to take part in controversial survey that poses intimate sexual questions

A controversial survey which asks schoolchildren intimate sexual questions will be rolled out across Dumfries and Galloway in the next few weeks.

Pupils will be given the chance to take part in the Scottish Government’s health and wellbeing census which is open to children from primary five through to S6.

The survey, which covers topics such as bullying and mental health, has attracted criticism across the country for also asking pupils as young as 14 questions about their sexual experiences.

Many parents have voiced concern about the census and they will have to right to refuse consent for their children taking part.

The council has declined to say what questions on sexual matters would be included.

Education committee chairman Jeff Leaver said: “It’s important that we give our children and young people a chance to have their say in the health and wellbeing census, which will influence how local services for children and families should be delivered in the future.

“This is especially significant after the adjustments they have had to make during the last few years of the pandemic.”

He added: “The results of the survey will allow the council and schools to understand the needs of pupils and plan services based on health and wellbeing needs.”

Scottish Conservative Shadow Minister for Children and Young People Meghan Gallacher MSP has previously hit out at the census.

She insisted: “A significant number of the questions are wholly inappropriate.”

Parents and carers in Dumfries and Galloway are set to be sent letters with further details about the survey and they can choose not to consent to their kids taking part.

Pupils can also stop the survey, which will take place during class time, and all answers will be anonymous.

When asked what questions about sexual experiences would be included, a council spokesman said: “Dumfries and Galloway schools will offer young people the opportunity to respond to the health and wellbeing survey from February 2022.

“To assure young people and parents, our youth council was asked to consider whether it wished to give us any additional advice around how best we approach this work to identify issues children and young people are concerned about and to tailor our advice and support services accordingly.”

Education committee vice chairman Ros Surtees added: “Two of our council’s priorities are to provide the best start in life for all our children and to be an inclusive council, therefore giving children and young people the opportunity to take part in this health and wellbeing census means we can have a full picture of how local services can be strengthened.”