Pupils need to be given better sex and relationships education to combat rising numbers of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), campaigners have warned. Figures released this week showed that almost half a million new cases of STIs were diagnosed last year, with young women “particularly vulnerable”, according to the Health Protection Agency. Helen Jenkins, a sexual health specialist at Marie Stopes International, said: “Many teachers tell us they don’t have the confidence or information to teach sex education effectively, despite knowing that many of their students are sexually active.”