Kate 22, Cambridgeshire
How absolutely fantastic to finally see the issue of the serious lack of sex and relationship education in British schools being addressed! I completely agree that SRE should be made compulsory and really feel that by continuing to keep it optional the government is letting down the children of this country. The rates of teenage pregnancy and STDs in Britain is disgustingly high and this is down to lack of education. Compulsory SRE is such an obvious means of improving this situation and I desparately hope that this programme and the hopefully following public interest will encourage the government to finally take responsibility and start moving forwards!
Rajesh, 26
I totally agree with the programme and the extent schools should go to meet standards where sex education is taught. The government is ignorant, yes I said it, they are ignorant for brushing it away under a rug just because they do not agree or are embarrassed. I say conquer your fears of embarrassment and agree with your people, the British people and change the way sex is taught in school. Watching the programme it gave me insight on the way sex education was taught when I was in school and I got to say it was not taught well. The UK is really behind, why? In a generation of today's modern society we should be the leader in this topic, being the president of the EU. American shows ridicule the knowledge of the UK in the sex department, why? Because we have lack of knowledge.
All I plead is that the government make it compulsory and the effects will be seen in the result, just like in Holland.
Roxanne
Really fantastic programme that made me think a lot more about the issues around sex education. I can't belive it's not compulsory! Maybe you could put the address/email of the government lady (and name) to make it easy for people visiting the website to lobby for compulsory sex education.
Axle
The sex education I 'endured' was at my secondary school where a teacher explained that boys don't have to worry, they 'just take their lobbers out and stick it in 'em'. Followed by a 30 minute rough guide to what's what on your body. That was it, I learnt more behind the bike sheds and in the sand dunes near the school than actually AT the school.
It's time the UK took a serious view to life and relationships, we can prevent so many problems by teaching compulsory sex and relationship education. We used to own over a third of the world as an empire. But the word sex, penis, vagina, penetration or masturbation leaves so many people running for the door. We can't be prudes on this, we cannot afford to do nothing. It will take 10-20 years for the educational level to filter through to the next generations of adults that are educated correctly on sexual topics, so that they in turn can talk to children of their own on the subject and make them be free from embarrassment, shame and fear of the subject. The sooner we get started, the better for us all. Sex is something that is special, let's be responsible adults by making responsible children.
Lena
Being Swedish, I received sex education in school from a very early age, and it was just really natural. I cannot BELIEVE it's still not compulsory here! It's time to face fact, face reality and stop being so prudish about the whole issue!! Bring in compulsory sex education now!
Hanfi
It's really quite easy to get the government to do something. Most of the public do feel quite strongly about this subject and i think a national mail petition would be adequate to change the law or at least get the ball rolling.
Even with the TV programme telling us what is going wrong, it isn't giving us a chance to do anything about it.
Andrew
What a fantastic programme, well done Channel4 and Davina! Would it be possible to show the series in the evening to get more viewers and a much wider public awareness of this issue?
Sophia, 16
I'am still at school myself and i have only had a few lessons on sex and relationships a few years ago. I'm confused and unsure on sex and need advice, it's hard to talk to my parents about sex, leaving me not having much of an idea on sex. I think we need sex education to be compulsory in britain!
Brad, 15
I agree with everything the programme is saying. When the majority of people are voting that sex education should be compulsory, surely more should be done about it. The government may run the country but they wouldn't be there without us. If we were to seriously campaign they would have no option but to make it compulsory. I know in my school I've had one 'sex education' lesson, during Biology. I say 'sex education' because it was all very biological, not really telling me anything at all. I'm now in Year 10 and dropped Biology as a subject – I will be having no more lessons on sex education for the rest of my education. If I were to have sex based on the one lesson I received, it'd be 100% certain I'd get someone pregnant. It's only thanks to hearing other people talking about it and watching programmes such as Let's Talk Sex that I know anything at all. My school is considered to be a very good school, if it's bad here I can't see it being better anywhere else – do something!!
Amanda, 21
i have been with my partner for 5 years and we don't have kids. I am in the minority!! Over the past 10–20 years, sex in young people has dramatically changed. With statistics in single parents, teenage parents and people not getting married at all sky rocketing we NEED to recognise how the spiral will only continue over the next 10–20 years. Personally i want children soon, but i'm worried more about having children and what kind of society they're coming into. It is IMPERATIVE that SRE becomes compulsory, sex can be very embarrassing and that's what makes it so dangerous, the only way to find out about it is to do it. Come on people we need to revolutionise SRE now whilst we have the chance, improvements can only come with change so think of your children and grandchildren and future generations!!
Myfanwy
This programe should be shown later on in the day when the teenaagers are around to watch it, perhaps the BIG PUSH for this needs to come directly from them across the country.
I have three teenagers 19, 18 and 15. Their sex education at school was OK but not good enough, I would have been happy for them to have started their education on this at a younger age in school on a regular basis, instead of a few lessons when they reach their must vulnerable age as early teenagers.
As a parent I have been open and willing to talk to them and this has often been met with some very frank discussions from them. it's hard to hear the truth sometimes, but I believe an open and frank discussion is the only way and the school can play an enormous part.
The Minster should listen to Davina...
David
Fantastic programme!! Please, please consider airing the show again in the evenings to capture a bigger audience. I am positive it would be a ratings winner and realy help reinforce this positive message.
Once the goverment realise that this is a vote-winner they will back it all the way. They know what to do they are just too sacared to do it.
Anon, 22, London
I educated myself about Sex from reading problem pages in the tabloids and girls magazines ever since I was at Secondary school, however I felt that this wasn't enough. I went to an all girls secondary school and all we learnt about was sanitary towels and tampons. In biology in the 1st year, we only learnt about male and female genitalia. By the end of Year 11, girls had got pregnant. My parents did not bother to explain to me and my sister about Sex and my Mum is very old fashioned about the subject. I am 100% behind Davina about making Sex Education compulsory in Schools. In particular, PSHE lessons should be replaced with SRE lessons as PSHE is extremely boring and a waste of school time. Anybody who feels that they do not know enough about Sex, do watch the 'Let's Talk Sex' programme and do pay a visit to your local Family Planning Clinic for advice. Talking about Sex amongst your closest friends really does help to make the subject seem less tense. I found that visiting the Family Planning Clinic for advice about Sex helped to answer the many questions I really wanted answered
Sharron
What a fantastic programme. well researched, well balanced and very straight forward and persuasive.
I have caught it by chance as I happen to be off work. Is this programme to be repeated at prime time??
The questioning of the minister by the young people demonstrated how responsible and intelligent our young people are. they made her look very silly. the government seem happy to 'enforce' the rest of the curriculum on the nation?! The government need to get a back bone and make a stand on this. it is vitally important to the future of the nation.
As a training officer in a family centre, I am going to take some of these ideas and introduce some sex education to the parents and carers I work with!!
Well done channel 4. I am very impressed. am going off to email my M.P. 'early, consistant and compulsory...' I hope you keep up the momentum of this campaign, this discussion is well overdue.
Florence
I really agree with what the program said about needing better sex ed in schools. I had one sex ed lesson at age 11 learnt about puberty and was told how you make a baby. I think it is a good idea to start teaching children about sex std's and relationships at an early age. I also think that children should be taught about homosexuality because at the schools i went to it was never even mentioned and i feel that is why i was bullied so badly in secondary school when i came out. If children are only learning about heterosexual relationships or just how to make babies then they are going to think it is wrong and abnormal to be homosexual. Also i feel it's unfair to not teach children about homosexuality because as a lesbian myself i was completly unaware that i could catch for example HIV till i started college.
Mike
Please repeat this programme series at prime time viewing. This issue has got to be among the most important of those facing the UK. We cannot leave the politicians and our unruly, childish press to deal with it alone, your excellent programmes should receive a wider audience. Well done Davina and the team.
Libby
I think that schools need to be more open about sex i mean every one does it!
they don't even teach you how to put a condom on or even tell girls how to check themselves out for breast cancer and stuff like that!
this is a serious problem in my opnion for schools. i have 10 1/2 month daughter and when she goes to school i want it to be an open thing that schools should talk about!
Linda
Please, Please, Please show this programme again in the evening so that the majority of parents can watch it.
It is a fantastic programme, very informative and I am convinced that more parents after watching this programme would agree that the time to act and improve sex education in school and at home is now!
Ali, 17
i feel that watching your programs that the way holland teaches sex is not explicit. it is how I have come to learn through school and books that have in general been that explicit, it just really is the fear of parents. my parents have been open about sex to me all the time, and now at my age i can tell them anything about sex i wish to tell them. I regularly attend a FPC near me and get contraception free, although on your program it has been suggested that giving contraception to teenagers under 16 is wrong, i don't feel it is. I started taking the pill at 15 and still used condoms, and i feel that is the safest way unless you are in a stable relationship. i hope that as i am a teenager you take note of this
Kim, Billericay
This programme is missing the point – in a HUGE way.
The parents campaigning against the C card system are not saying there shouldn't be sex education. They are merely objecting to the fact that this government seems to do everything by the back door. In other words, TO DO IT BEHIND PARENTS' BACKS IS DESPICABLE.
Sorry but your programme has failed miserably in representing the views of parents like myself. I am all for intensive sex education for teenagers but I want to be included.
I do NOT think it's a good idea for kids to think they can sneak around behind parents' backs. I resent the interference of people like the so-called Christian woman. Her argument is too flimsy and all she is doing is promoting the idea that kids can just go out, get drunk, have sex and then take a pill afterwards.
What about the morning after pills? Do we know of the effects on children's bodies, of these drugs.
I am a VERY broad minded adult but I have a teenage daughter and I find it ludicrous that her school recently contacted me to ask permission to give her paracetamol for a headache, yet, if she got pregnant and wanted an abortion she can do it behind my back with their help.
Sorry Channel4 , not good enough. Stop toeing the politically correct line just for PC's sake
ellie
Hi I have been watching this series this week but wished my teenagers were home to watch it too. I would like to have a copy of the test the parents and children took this week, so we could do it as a family and let me pick up on areas my children may not be too up on, although I have alsways discussed issues from a young age as and when thye have cropped up. Thank you
Gemma, 17, Grimsby
The programme is brilliant. Am a 17-year-old female and i totally agree that sex education at school isn't as good as it could be. I was first taught about sex when i was about 13/14, and i didn't get taught a lot either. i think i had about one lesson a week for an hour that lasted 6 weeks, what can be taught in that short space of time. More about how you will feel for the person who you choose to have sex with needs to be discussed more in this country and the emotional side of it too. I think the Holland way of teaching sex education is great. at first i was shocked it was as young as 6 but it seems to do the trick and they are obviously doing something right! Keep up the good work and forget about what the media thinks ... we need to stop teenage pregnancies.
Laura, 15
I happened to watch the dutch episode of the show today and was thrilled. I am 15 and am still receiving sex education from irregular visits from nurses and giggly biology lessons. Things that I am being taught in class today, I learnt two or three years ago from friends and I think this is terrible. I know of at least two girls in the year below me and one girl in my year, who have gotten pregnant recently. I am lucky because although my best friend, and at least half of my close friends, are actively having sex, I haven't felt pressured by them or anyone else to do the same. I have been with my boyfriend for 5 months and he too is a virgin. He also puts no pressure on me at all, saying he is willing to wait as long as I need and is happy to just be spending time with me. My sex education started at age eleven, and i feel this was much too late. Girls in my class had started their periods and didn't know what was happening. One of them thought she could be pregnant becuase her periods had started!
Watching the dutch video, I too was shocked but seeing how the 13 year olds watched with no giggling or looks just shows how earlier sex education makes children and teenagers more mature. I completely agree with Davina. If we want less teenage pregnacies and STIs, the Government need to do something, now! If Jamie oliver can start a campaign for healthier foods, why not have Davina McCall – one of Britian's most loved presenters – back a 'Better, Eariler Sex Education' campaign?
Alistair, 17, Scotland
I am a 17 year old school pupil in Scotland. My experiences of sex education are practically zero. Past the dangers of sex there has been nothing. Sex education is poor up and down this country and it is time that at least one of the governments in the UK took the first big step and began to introduce more "radical" approaches to sex education. It is a well known fact (as demonstrated by your programme) that introducing sex education younger and in a much wider context (i.e. in a social context and in context of relationships) reduces the rates of teenage pregnancies. Also School children as young as 6 in Holland were getting taught about different sexualities – this is covered nowhere in the curriculum in the UK, and could be part of the reason why there is an intollerance to homosexuality and lesbianism. It is very ironic that the media make such a huge fuss about the high rates of STIs and teenage pregnancies, but at the same time will effectivly hang a teacher out to dry should they try to teach sex education in any more detail – you can't have it both ways. If we want to improve our economic status, educational ability and reduce teenage pregnancies then the only answer is to teach Sex education in a wider context from a much earlier age.
Sarah, Biggin Hill
I watched the programme this week, which I have to say was really interesting. I'm a mother of two children aged 10 and 6 years. My 10 year old has friends at school talking about sex, and I do try to change the subject, and my 6 year old laughs when she hears the word sex, so they both are aware in different ways.
As a parent I avoid it, only because I was never really taught sex education, and my parents didn't give me support as it was a taboo subject.
We do need to change the way it's taught to our children, and I feel even parents need to go on courses to be taught the best way of explaining this tricky subject to their children.
Hannah, 16, Nottingham
watched the program this morning, as a 16yr old i just wish that my sex education had been like it is in holland.
we didn't get ANY in primary school, as a parent didn't feel it fitted in with our 'church school' apperance, it wasn't just sex they didn't want us being taught it was puberty as well, even though we were 10/11 year olds.
secondary school sex ed. was well, crap!, we did the 'biological' side of it in year 8, aged 12/13. we were shown a video, which showed us the parts of the body, a woman walks into the bathroom and drops her towel and they name the parts of her body... wow what an education ... our teacher was so embarrassed he put a folder over her naked body and then sat at the back of the class. that's what i think britain needs to get over, the embarrassment.
actual sex ed. happened in year 10, aged 14/15, in my class it was 'spot the virgin'. most of the class had all ready had sex, so what was the point of educating them. and in that class, two boys put a condom on a penis shaped plastic thing, as there weren't enough condoms for the whole class, and the rest of the class had died of embarrassment, about the fact we were being taught sex by a 45 year old male geography teacher.
he told us what 'turned him on' such as rubbing his legs but not when he rubbed his ears, people in the class were physically being sick at this 'sex education'.
that's the only sex ed i have had, but still i have remained a virgin, unlike the some of the girls in my year who have had babies, 3 are pregnant now, and i know of two girls who have had abortions.
Davina's approach to this 'taboo' subject is what was needed.
there needs to be Hollandish sex ed. NNOOOWWW!!!
Norman
The programme about the Netherlands suggested that there is a standard explicit sex education package in that country that can account for their lower rates of teenage pregnancy. Davina suggested that "it's as simple as that". But the truth is that, as in the UK sex education lessons in the Netherlands vary from school to school. Some inner-city schools provide a more explicit programme, while schools outside the cities – particularly church schools – are more conservative in their approach – just as they are in the UK. The school featured on the programme is by no means typical of the country as a whole.
Family Education Trust has published a study of sex education in the Netherlands as compared with the UK and concluded that the difference between teenage pregnancy rates in the two countries cannot be accounted for by differences in sex education. There are rather social and cultural differences in the Netherlands, including a stronger commitment to marriage and stable family life, lower divorce rates and lower rates of childbirth outside marriage. The full report, 'Deconstructing the Dutch Utopia' can be downloaded from www.famyouth.org.uk/pdfs/DDU.pdf and a 4-page summary, 'Lessons in Dutch Mythology', is available at www.famyouth.org.uk/pdfs/LDM.pdf
Marketa
Just to say WELL DONE to all the team and to Davina for – once again – an excellent performance. As a psychologist and coming from another country, I find the 'sex culture' quite rigid and so in turn very unhealthy. These programmes and more so some actions ought to be taken. BRAVA, BRAVA, BRAVA. if I can be of any help, please let me know, I will be more than happy to volunteer in this project! All the best to you all!!!
Sara
I caught the last 10 minutes of the programme today. I have children aged 9 down to 2 years old and agree that they they should be told about sex from the age of 5 having seen this programme. Good luck
Nicola
What a great programme!!! it just shows how ignorant some people are about their attitude about teenage sex and pregnancy. I remember in my days at school, i think we had one lesson. The dutch have got things so right haven't they. We have a ten year old boy and a five year old girl, and are trying for our third child. Our ten year old knows, what i think is a lot more than the average ten year old, we have openly discussed about sex even before we decided to try for another child, the opportunity came up when he had to be circumcised a year ago, so it felt right for us to talk to him about things. He knows he can come to us at any time to talk about anything. I personally think the earlier you talk to them the better, then they will know their own bodies and can talk openly about what's happening to them in their teens.
Mary, Surrey
Bravo Davina and channel 4 for showing Britain the way. As a mother of two sons aged 11 and 5 I feel strongly that they be shown the way to achieve healthy views on safe sex, and not feel as though it is a subject to be embarrassed or ashamed of. I love the way the Dutch discuss all aspects of sex and relationships (something which seems to be missed out in sex education in Britain, although highly important I'd say). My older son started sex education this year, although knew an awful lot already as we have always encouraged him to be as open with us as he likes, and in return we be as honest with him as possible. He already knew exactly what The Pill is for and how important Double Dutch (I love that saying!) is. Living in the world we live in today isn't it better they learn about sex from parents and educated people than anywhere else. (And they will you know, there's no hiding from it.) Bring it on I say, it can only make things better.
Karen, 33
well done Davina and Channel 4. (and the dutch government). i have a 6 year old daughter and a three year old son and i would be thrilled if they recieved the same high quality sex ed as the lucky children in Holland do. this morning's progrmme was the best thing I have seen on TV in a long time. If Channel 4 (or anyone else) could inform me on how to become a sex educator Dutch style I would be most grateful. We have to do something to stop our babies having babies.
Deb
Thank you for your programme, it was a great relief to finally see an education programme that talks to young people about the things that really matter to them. I am a youth worker and SRE Officer in the North West and I am daily frustrated with the education culture that dictates that it is not ok to talk to kids about sex, or any aspect of social education, in case you seem to be promoting it.
Why are we so afraid of young people and their development? We continue to promote sex as dirty, sleazy and secret and wonder why children and young people remain so much at risk of abuse and exploitation. If information is power why are we so afraid of informing our kids? empowering them to talk openly about things that concern them, myths and fears. Surely that's what education should be about? young people making informed choices about THEIR bodies and THEIR pleasure.
Now is the time for motorways though, not small in-roads. We have to challenge this culture of fear and repression not bow to it, it clearly isn't working. Hopefully I can buy this video and get my partnership board to look at it, I'm sure it will change minds and bring about some real change for young people.
Anon, 27, Southampton
I coincidentally had the day off of work and fortunately caught Let's Talk Sex with Davina this morning. As an adult, now 27, I have formed a strong opinion on sex education influenced by a very personal experience of sex at a young age. I was unlucky enough to have been a victim of sexual abuse and rape at the age of 13 by a family friend, this occurred over a period of approximately 9 months. At that time we had not had ANY sexual education and I was previously very innocent. At 13 I had never even seen a picture of a male penis, and had no idea what my newly developing sexual organs were, let alone what they could both be used for.
I have very loving parents but they never discussed sex with us as children and even now as adults sex is a taboo subject, they are also still unaware of my experiences.
I celebrate the Dutch idea that children are taught the exact mechanics of sexual intercourse and related sexual acts. Helping children understand that these acts are to be performed for pleasure as well as reproduction is vital. By informing them sex is special and sacred and to be performed between two people who love each other and of course consent would, and I agree with Davina, arm them with the information to be able to chose when, how and with whom they have sex with.
In the UK we withhold this information to try and protect young people from the adult world and it is obviously having a detrimental effect. Children and teenagers are subsequently being led into the adult world blind to both the pleasurable benefits of sex and the emotional and physical damage it can cause when performed incorrectly or without will i.e; pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and non consensual acts.
Although I do not blame my lack of knowledge for my abuse initially occurring, I most definitely feel that having being given even a small amount of sex education by my parents, school or youth club it may have helped me understand what was happening to me, and armed me with the knowledge to know what was wrong and right a lot sooner.
Thanks for a great programme, let's hope sexual education in the UK will soon catch up with the 'developing world' and give our children the information they deserve.
Sian, 23
i have been watching this programme with great interest as i am 23 and still a virgin. A few years ago i chose to make the decision to wait until i am ready and mature enough to deal with the physical and emotional conseqences of having sex. This country is completely losing control. so many girls have babies under 16 and sex is often just part of 'children' getting drunk and having a good time so i am not surprised by the statistics quoted on the show. It is about time the government looked at its sex ed and did something about it, are the politicians not ashamed of our position on the list statistics?!! I was shocked by the way Holland deals with sex ed but the results are unbelievable and the attitude towards sex is completely different. I think it nice the way they teach sex ed to children but the children still retain their naivety. In this country children seem to be losing their naivety too young and living the life of adults but still having the minds of children. it is sooo sad. I love Davina she is honest, open and interested in all her shows.
Patricia
I thought the programme was fantastic. I think the Dutch idea is great. I had no idea what a penis looked like until the night I lost my virginity!
I have two children myself – aged 7 and 10. I teach them both that it's OK for men to love men and women to love women, as well as the usual man and woman relationship (as we have gay friends). They accept this without question. I have not yet talked to them about anything else though – which is ridiculous really. I would happily encourage the local school to change its tactics if your programme can bring about change.
Mary, 56, Windsor
Have just watched Davina in the Dutch schools. What a breath of fresh air it is to have this subject of SEX made to be and sound so normal. I have concerns for my grandaughter who is 12. I have always promoted sex education and it has never been taboo in my home, but if some parents feel their "parental rights" are being taken away from them because the school wants to teach their children – then the schools should make it available to those who DO want their children taught, and with the right information. Why should all the children be refused an opportunity to learn more by those in the minority. It's pretty obvious that what sex education the children are receiving at the moment is certainly not sufficient or successful. Well done Davina!!! Those with objections, do it your way! Good luck
Mike, 17, Manchester
I left life in high school last summer and have since entered college with a high expectance of life to come. I remember sex-ed consisting of a class of pupils accompanied by the school sex-ed co-ord, school nurse and various visits from outside sources. These lessons lasted a term during years 8 and 10 from what I can recall. During year 8 we learnt about the human anatomy, i.e. the penis and vagina and how it works and what changes occurred, and during year 10 we learnt the precautions and social side of sex, and safe sex. Much like that of Dutch teaching, openly discussing the ins and outs. On my own accord I picked up information from various sources outside of mandatory education and so know a great deal of 'how things wor', helping me now in my, let's say, more physical education. I have had sex, nonetheless, although this was only just before Christmas after being with my current partner for no less than a month. The experience is exhilarating, yet if not for my previous knowledge would probably been mercy to a teenage party. Education in sex is as much a part of exploring the possibilities, as it is preventing it at a young age; we see now cases of underage rape, let alone the continual floods of sex controversiality. So how can we say that we are a nation who suppresses the education of sex, when we publicise it in the media, and in the arts. If we are going to become a respectable country we need to step up from our immaturity to sex and start from the bottom, the preteens. If implemented however, there would no doubt be complaints and subsequently inquiries into these procedures and so I believe it is time to re-educate the older section of the nation, take the parents back to school and teach them about sex. This will ultimately be the only way forward if we are going to survive this sex enraged population.
Clair, 32, Horsham, West Sussex
I’m a 32 year old mum of 2. I stumbled upon the programme yesterday, by chance; I must say I think it would be a great programme to show in the evening as so many people have missed out being at school/work! Davina gives a refreshing approach to what seems to be a taboo subject in this country – we as a country are too prudish to face up to the problem which is under our noses, like the Dutch have. I have two girls, 7 and 1 and would love things to change for the better for them.
I would be happy for my 7 year old to have lessons like the Dutch children and not grow up thinking sex is a subject not to be discussed and worst of all feared! I remember a few videos at school when I was around 10, which I can't even remember being discussed, and then the basic 'facts of life' discussed in Biology lessons in Secondary school – completely inadequate. As a result many of the girls I went to school with became teenage mums.
If we ca't improve the sex education in schools I want to know where we can get hold of the kind of educational videos they use in the Dutch classrooms so I can teach my girls myself! When I was pregnant with my second daughter I was shocked to discover that there were hardly any books available to explain the very basics to my then 5 year old inquisitive daughter!
I would love to know what's being/been done since the programme to move this forward as, Davina and Channel 4, you have my full support!
Libby, 17
I'm 17 i had an abortion at 14 and i had a daughter at 16. I think that the schools need to be open and honest about sex like the dutch because i was never even taught how to put a comdom on and we were never told about sex in detail and offered talks to people who think they are pregnant and stuff. it was all hush hush and i think that i'd like my daughter to go to school like the dutch and learn like they do! to me it seems a better and less awkward way of putting it and then it can be an open subject!