Row over new sex ed programme for teens

The Minister for Education is coming under pressure regarding a proposed new sex education programme for 12-15 year olds in secondary school after strong negative reaction from some teachers, parents and groups.

The new programme delivered through the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum in schools has been described as the “corruption and colonisation of sex education in this country” by the Natural Women’s Council.

Details of the programme have emerged in recent days after the Council conducted a video interview with Mary Creedon, a teacher for over 30 years, who began co-ordinating SPHE in schools in 2008.

During the interview Ms Creedon described her introduction to the programme when she attended teacher training in DCU recently. She said she was “horrified” by some of the resources and teaching methods being used and described them as “totally inappropriate” for the age group involved.

Ms Creedon says there are “controversial learning outcomes” around the sex education programme and parents now find themselves in a situation where they can either “stay silent or take action”.

The school teacher highlighted how it’s in “violation” of the Children First Act and called on Minister for Education, Norma Foley, to “shut down this programme” immediately.

Ms Creedon told how, during training in DCU, those participating were shown material that included a female cartoon figure demonstrating masturbation. She said there was also a ‘sex map’ showing hetero and homosexual couples engaging in various sexual activities; while others engaged in sexual activities on their own.

“Another document was presented to us entitled ‘It’s Okay to Watch Porn’ with the aim of helping children to become critical thinkers around porn,” she continued before adding that the next step in this particular module was to categorise explicit statements into ‘real life’ or ‘porn life’.

“Children would not be able to understand this content and it will cause harm and upset. It is not age appropriate and teachers now have the authority to teach about porn because it’s on the Junior Cert specification. Teachers will become puppets for the porn industry.”

Meanwhile, Ms Creedon stated that those participating in the course received instruction on how to answer explicit sexual questions.

She claims that, if a child asked some of those explicit questions in the first instance, “alarm bells would go off” for the adult involved. She also highlighted that there was no direction provided on the ‘morality’ of the matter.

“There is no formal discussion on gender identity on the course so, therefore, there is no room whatsoever for gender critical opinions,” she added. “Also an agreement must be made that what is spoken about in the classroom stays in the classroom.”

Cavan County Councillor Sarah O’Reilly (Aontú) has expressed her horror over what she describes as ‘secrecy’ in the classroom brought about by that agreement. “We have spent years now encouraging children to talk to their parents and the adults around them that they trust,” she fumed.

“And here we have the Department of Education bringing secrecy into the classroom. None of this is qualified with safeguarding. I have received numerous calls and messages from worried parents across Cavan and Monaghan about this and it is completely inappropriate for this age group.”

Cllr O’Reilly went on to say that she “shares” the apprehension of the many people who have contacted her expressing “grave disquiet” about this. “This also raises serious questions over the NGOs that are involved in putting this curriculum together and who I believe have inordinate power,” she continued.

“I am urging parents of young teenage boys and girls to take an active role in understanding the changes in material for this new curriculum and do some research around it. I believe it is essential that they look into it themselves in a bid to be properly informed about what their children are being taught.

“I believe that parents have a vital role in encouraging meaningful discussions about these topics at home with their children. I am a firm and committed advocate for a curriculum that aligns with the values and comfort levels of both parents and educators, ensuring a safe and appropriate learning environment for all students”.

Elsewhere, Karina Charles-Lynch who ran in the Ballinamore Local Electoral Area (LEA) with Independent Ireland in the June local elections, told The Anglo-Celt that, as a mother of two young girls, “I’d be very concerned about the content in the programme.”

She also highlighted how concerned she is about books staying in schools and not coming home because “parents don’t know what’s in them”.

“And of course, the idea that what goes on in the classroom, stays in the classroom is also very concerning,” she added.

Ms Charles-Lynch questioned some of the content going into school books.

“The sex education programme is shocking and alarming and, as parents, we need to insist that these school books come home with the children. I don’t believe the programme is age appropriate and I’m calling on our local TDs to call for a review into this programme and for them to lobby Minister Norma Foley to drop it altogether.”

Content based on research – Department

A Department of Education spokesperson has said the new SPHE specification was introduced in schools for those entering first year in September 2023.  In a statement to the Celt, the spokesperson said the aim of the course is to build students’ self-awareness and positive self-worth; to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills, dispositions and values that will support them to lead fulfilling and healthy lives; empower them to create, nurture and maintain respectful and loving relationships with self and others; and enhance their capacity to contribute positively to society.

"The specification consists of four strands: Understanding Myself and Others; Making Healthy Choices; Relationship and Sexuality; and Emotional Wellbeing," the spokesperson continued.

"Teaching and learning is age and stage appropriate, based on research and informed by the extensive consultation.

"Learning outcomes over the three years of Junior Cycle range from communicating in a respectful and effective manner, to appreciating the importance of setting healthy boundaries, considering the impact of stress and techniques to manage day to day stresses, and learning outcomes dealing with alcohol, smoking and other addictive substances.

"Sensitive topics such as the influence of pornography are also addressed. The curriculum categorically does not expose children to graphic or explicit content, or normalise the use of pornography. On the contrary, key messages would be that pornography is not a good place to go to learn about sex, that it can be disturbing and even damaging for young people, and that it is incompatible with values of human dignity, respect and gender equality.

"It should also be noted that, in accordance with Section 30 of the Education Act, 1998, parents have a right to have their children opt out of classes which are contrary to the conscience of the parent if they so wish."

The curriculum specification is published here.