- Children are also shown animated cartoon couple making love
- Video includes information on ‘wet dreams’ and masturbation
- MP wants cinema-style ratings on sex education films for teachers
A sex education video produced by the BBC for children as young as nine has been criticised as being ‘like a blue movie’ by an MP who said the material is ‘shattering the innocence of childhood’.
The video aims to teach children aged between nine and 11 about growing up, the cycle of life, feelings, family life and friendship.
But included in the CD-ROM is an animated video of two cartoon characters making love and a computer-generated sequence showing a couple having sex, accompanied by a graphic explanation.
There is also footage of a naked man and woman, used to demonstrate the differences between the sexes, information about ‘wet dreams’ and masturbation, and graphic diagrams of genitalia.
Conservative MP Andrea Leadsom told one newspaper: ‘This material is explicit. It is shattering the innocence of childhood.’
Ms Leadsom, who raised the issue after being contacted by concerned parents, said she was embarrassed by the film, adding: ‘It was like a blue movie’.
She wants sex education films to be given a film-style rating to act as a guide for teachers.
Education minister Nick Gibb promised to look into the matter.
The Sex and Relationship Education CD-Rom, produced by BBC Active, goes on to discuss the emotional aspects of relationships including sexual feelings and same-sex crushes as well as marriage.
In addition, it covers internet safety and how children can keep themselves safe.
The BBC stands by the film, saying it has been put together after consultation with local authorities and experts in education.
BBC Active told the newspaper: ‘All our resources provide clear guidance on age suitability.
‘They are designed to allow teachers to pick and choose the elements they feel are appropriate.’