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“Students are increasingly demanding an education that reflects their different realities and needs, not one rooted in shame-based approaches,” Elisa Belmonte, Research Communications Manager at Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) tells us.
In celebration of World Sexual Health Day, now’s our chance to sit down and consider the myriad ways we can ensure that the next generation can get the Sex Ed we wish we had. One that’s free from shame and stigma, that delves into the areas of positive consent, periods, contraception, sexually transmitted infections and so on so that young people can be equipped with the knowledge and understanding of themselves, their bodies, and the real world around them.
Dr Caroline Kelleher, a lecturer in the Department of Health Psychology in RCSI and a contributor to expert lead sexual health education outreach programme Debunking the Myths, says: “Historically, sexuality education has been heteronormative, predominantly focusing on the sexual experiences and practises within cisgender, heterosexual relationships. The range of sexual orientations and gender identities that are part of our society and always have been, have remained ‘in the closet’ in sexuality education, and it is time this changed.
“Young people need to feel visible, represented and supported in the education they receive, and fully aware of the knowledge and taught skills they will need to explore their sexuality in a healthy, safe and consensual way.”
Here, we speak with both Elisa Belmonte and Dr Caroline Kelleher on how programmes like Debunking the Myths represent a step in the right direction, and how parents can ensure that their children get the Sex Ed they so require…
Most Senior Cycle secondary school students who engage with these workshops are open to discussion and display an open-minded attitude when it comes to conversations about consent, and gender identity and sexuality. Our workshops are designed to be highly interactive.
We are conscious that teenagers may not feel comfortable to speak up in an environment where they are surrounded by their peers and teachers, so the workshops utilise an online application called Mentimeter which allows teenagers to submit questions anonymously and to answer polls and quizzes in real time with answers being incorporated in slides projected to all attendees.
To date, we have received more than 2,000 anonymous questions during our workshops, which highlight students’ eagerness to know more. They are the ones actively demanding an education that addresses their needs and reflects their diverse experiences.
Dr Caroline Kelleher says: “For parents, it is about providing a safe space for your children to speak about these topics, gently letting them know that you are here to listen and support them. You may not know the right thing to say or the answers to all of their questions, but creating a supportive environment at home is a strong first step.”
The team at Debunking the Myths have created a dedicated section on our website where we collate trustworthy information and existing educational materials from reputable sources which can be accessed HERE.
Among the resources cited on our website:
Photography by Netflix.
