Schools have been advised, for the first time, to add lessons about consent and coercion into their sexuality education programmes.

The Ministry of Education has released updated guidelines on sexuality education today.

However, it's refrained from changing the curriculum or making the lessons mandatory, so schools are still able to choose what sex lessons they give their students.

Deputy Secretary for Student Achievement Dr Graham Stoop says it's a difficult subject so a brochure has also been produced for parents on what their children are likely to be taught and at what age.