The importance of medicine safety and how to report side effects of medicines via the Yellow Card scheme has now been included as part of the RSHE statutory guidance for schools in England.

Working wit the  Department for Education (DfE), the MHRA has been able to embed the life-saving knowledge into the statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) guidance.

The curriculum content covers what a side effect is; why it’s important to report problems with medicines; how to submit a Yellow Card report; who the MHRA are and how they help keep the public safe?

The announcement comes on World Patient Safety Day.

The change means that children will now be able to take charge of their own health; speak up when something doesn’t feel right; play a direct role in improving the safety of medicines and medical devices for all.

Lawrence Tallon, MHRA chief executive, said: “This World Patient Safety Day, we’re marking a new era in public health. By equipping young people with knowledge about medicine safety, we’re laying the foundations for a lifetime of safer healthcare. The inclusion of information on how to report side effects via the Yellow Card scheme in schools ensures every child knows that their voice matters in making medicines and devices safer for everyone.”

Zubir Ahmed, patient safety minister, said: “This government is helping the children of today to be part of the healthiest generation ever. From getting children exercising and banning junk food ads near schools, to empowering them to take control of their own health.

“By embedding education about the safety of medicines into the school curriculum, we’re giving young people the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves and their loved ones from preventable harm. On World Patient Safety Day, this is just one of the ways we’re putting patient voice at the heart of healthcare for all ages.”