The Irish Times view on modernising sex education: a step forward

The existing sex education curriculum, adopted 20 years ago, is hopelessly out of date. The subject has also suffered from its low status in schools and the absence of appropriate resources. Teenagers have told researchers in recent years that they want a much greater emphasis on topics which reflect modern life: LGBTI+ issues, skills to negotiate consensual relationships, the impact of pornography on sexual expectations, questions around gender identity and information on safe sex.

The publication of the draft Social, Personal and Health Education curriculum for junior cycle students, due to be implemented in secondary schools from 2023, is a belated step towards modernising the syllabus. The need is urgent. Young people are growing up in a rapidly changing social, cultural and sexual world. The influence of the internet is reshaping attitudes towards sex. Sexual harassment is a persistent threat, especially for girls. No one needs reminding of the shocking examples of sexual violence in recent times.

The new proposals, produced by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, in consultation with students, teachers and parents, include topics such as healthy and unhealthy relationships, gender identity, consent, the influence of digital media on sex, and sharing of intimate images online. Changing the curriculum, however, is just one part of the jigsaw. Deeper change is needed to tackle the lack of training for teachers delivering sex education and the low status of the subject in schools. Many are also concerned that the ethos of some religious schools will continue to limit young people’s exposure towards fact-based and objective sex education.

Adolescence is a time of important change for young people as they come to a clearer sense of who they are. Relationships and sex education can play a crucial role in this regard. Having the opportunity to discuss these topics within a safe classroom setting with a skilled teacher is vitally important. We must ensure young people are better equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate a complex and challenging world.