Christians are warning that British school children may be exposed to inappropriate material if the government goes ahead with plans for compulsory relationships education.

The Department for Education is seeking the views of teachers and parents as to what they think young people should be taught in school regarding sex and relationships. 

It follows moves earlier this year to make relationships education compulsory in primary schools, and sex and relationships education in secondary schools across England.

The lessons will address sex, sexual health, and according to The Telegraph, LGBT issues, including transgenderism. 

However, conservative voices have raised concerns that the lessons will only encourage the early sexualisation of children. 

Colin Hart, Director of The Christian Institute, said: 'At a time when there is growing alarm at the sexualisation of children, this change could lead to the sex eucation industry, which promotes explicit materials, having much greater influence.' 

The government is seeking evidence until 12 February, after which time it will launch a full public consultation. 

The Coalition for Marriage is urging parents to voice their concerns before the call for evidence ends next February. 

Its Campaign Director Thomas Pascoe said the government should be teaching children about the importance of marriage instead of sexuality.

'Under these proposals, the leading agent in the early sexualisation of children would be the state itself,' he said. 

'There is no "age-appropriate" way to teach primary school age children about homosexual relationships or transgenderism. 

'We should be teaching young children broad values of respect and tolerance, not ordering them to accept adult sexual relationships which they are far too young to understand. 

'At secondary school level, marriage needs to be taught as a gold-standard, not one option amongst a bewildering multitude.'