London, Jan 12 (IANS) A sex education video produced by BBC for minor children has been criticised by a Conservative MP as being like a pornographic movie.
The “Sex and Relationship Education CD-ROM”, produced by BBC Active, discusses the emotional aspects of relationships, including sexual feelings and same-sex crushes as well as marriage, the Daily Mail reported.
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 and a computer-generated sequence of a couple having sex accompanied by an explanation.
There is also footage of a naked man and woman, used to demonstrate the differences between the sexes, information about masturbation, and graphic diagrams of genitalia.
“This material is explicit. It is shattering the innocence of childhood. It was like a blue movie,” Conservative MP Andrea Leadsom was quoted as saying.
Leadsom raised the issue after being contacted by concerned parents.
She said sex education films should be given a film-style rating to act as a guide for teachers.
The BBC said it stands by the film. It said the film has been put together after consultation with local authorities and education experts.