Sex education could be taught to kids at younger age under curriculum shake-up

Relationships and sex education will be taught to children at an earlier stage under a draft new primary school curriculum, it has emerged.

The changes are understood to be in recognition that many children are starting school at an older age.

The changes are contained in draft specifications for key subject areas, according to the Irish Times, which will feature in the new curriculum.

The wellbeing section of the draft curriculum aims to provide children with a “balanced, inclusive, age and developmentally-appropriate understanding of human development and sexuality”.

This section will include new areas of learning including consent, digital wellbeing and diversity of family structures, as well as a renewed focus on relationships, emotions and feelings.

The draft report acknowledges the "rich tapestry of cultures, identities, backgrounds, and families represented within Irish primary classrooms". 

It notes that child protection is an integral component of SPHE. The curriculum supports children to recognise healthy, unhealthy, and harmful behaviours within relationships.

"As an integrated aspect of SPHE, Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE), plays a crucial role in helping children establish and sustain healthy and supportive relationships with themselves and others. RSE supports children to acquire accurate and developmentally appropriate information about human development and sexuality that is evidence informed," the draft report notes.

"In addition, children develop an understanding of the significance of effective communication, mutual respect, conflict
resolution, boundaries, bodily autonomy, and the concept of consent within relationships," it adds. 

The consultation period on the new curriculum remains open until June 7th. More details are available here