WOMEN want pornography to be discussed as part of school sex education lessons, a study has found.

The research also suggested the subject should include topics such as masturbation and the fact sex could be enjoyable.

The survey by Edinburgh-based social research agency The Lines Between concluded that sex education focused too much on biology, heterosexual relations and "worst case scenarios".

One survey respondent said: "I can remember just putting a condom on a banana and being told not to get sexually transmitted diseases."

Another said: "I think women just talking about sex is a big step. In schools you are never told you are allowed to enjoy it.. or want to have it."

The Young Women's Movement Scotland (YWMS), which commissioned the survey, said the research showed young women were looking for a safe place to discuss a range of subjects.

Jemma Tracey, digital media officer for the YWCA said: "There are topics that across so many schools are not being covered at the moment in a positive and pupil-led format."

Euan Duncan, president of the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association (SSTA), said some teachers preferred to avoid the subject for fear of the consequences of mishandling it.

He told the Times Educational Supplement Scotland (TESS): "I can't imagine many teachers feeling comfortable or safe with the idea of discussing masturbation.

"Teachers, understandably, are often more likely to stick to biological facts and youngsters might find it confusing to hear hear suggestions relating to sexual exploration coming from classroom teachers."

Jenny Kemp, national officer for education and equality for the Educational Institute of Scotland teaching union, said an "open discursive approach" was vital to build positive future relationships.

The study, Status of Young Women in Scotland, was based on interviews with 115 women aged 16 and over.