New government guidelines on sex education have been condemned by Christians as “amoral” and “outrageous”. The guidelines, published in a new government leaflet, say that parents should avoid telling their children what is right and wrong when it comes to sex.

The guidelines instead say that parents should have only a “light” discussion on values, in order to encourage children to be open and come to their own views on sexual morality.

Talking to Your Teenager About Sex and Relationships is part of an initiative by children’s minster Beverley Hughes and will be available in pharmacies from March.

The latest guidelines come after the headline grabbing case of Alfie Patten, a 13-year-old boy who is believed to be the father of his 15-year-old girlfriend's baby.

The leaflet tells parents, “Discussing your values with your teenagers will help them to form their own. Remember, though, that trying to convince them of what’s right and wrong may discourage them from being open.”

It also says that parents should start sex education as young as possible to prevent their children from picking up “misinformation” from other children or teenagers later on. The subject is also best raised while doing ordinary things such as watching TV or washing the dishes, according to the leaflet. The information includes a guide to the various forms of contraception available.

Simon Calvert, deputy director of the Christian Institute, criticised the move saying, “The idea that the Government is telling families not to pass on their values is outrageous."

“Preserving children’s innocence is a worthy goal. We would like to see more of that kind of language rather than this amoral approach where parents are encouraged to present their children with a smorgasbord of sexual activities and leave them to make up their own minds.”

Beverley Hughes defended the guidelines, saying the Government “doesn’t bring up children but . . . it does have a role to play in supporting parents and giving them access to advice and information”.

Teenage pregnancies have been rising again since last year, after a 12.9 per cent drop among pregnancies among under 18s between 1998 and 2006.