Letters to the Editor: Time to take sex ed out of the classroom and move it online

Sex education is one subject that would benefit from a standard approach through an online programme. 

Putting the subject of relationships and sexuality education online might help ‘normalise’ the content and ensure all students in the country get the same best practice based on best available knowledge.  Picture: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

May I suggest putting the subject of relationships and sexuality education online with the emphasis on follow-up class discussion, debate, and conclusion? The main block with this subject is the level of secrecy and lack of opportunity for current, open discussion in society generally about these private topics — consent, relationships, pornography.

If there were an online programme designed per class year (as is being done through Covid times for every other subject) by the Department of Education in consultation with other concerned professionals, one that teachers could easily access, it might help ‘normalise’ the content and ensure all students in the country get the same best practice based on best available knowledge at this time. And later, follow up with regular reviewing and updating, year on year.