Sexuality in the context of Relationships and Sexuality Education

Abstract

This paper outlines a review of the teaching of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in Irish primary schools since its inception in 1996 to the present day and provides some insight into current teaching in the area and potential challenges facing schools. It calls for the teaching of RSE as part of the wider context of Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE), to include teaching children from the earliest age possible that there are different types of sexual relationships, including homosexuality. Findings from a research study completed by Farrelly (2014) indicates that there is a reluctance amongst school leaders to allow for teaching children about sexual orientation and the reasons for this are explored.