Explicit over sexualised material in schools raises serious safeguarding issues

“THE MINISTER for Education, Norma Foley has serious questions to answer around the new Social, Personal and Health Education curriculum (SPHE) curriculum and needs to be held to account for it.”

That’s according to Aontú Cllr Sarah Beasley, a candidate in the upcoming General Election.

“Claims from a secondary school teacher detailing graphic content intended for children as young as 12 years of age is an issue of major concern for me. It is completely inappropriate for this age group, and I share the apprehension of the numerous people across my constituency of Limerick city who have contacted me to express their disquiet about this.

READ MORE: University of Limerick student takes part in work on cerebral palsy detection

“Children as young as twelve years of age are being exposed to the most explicit and graphic over sexualised material in schools.

“We have sent in PQ (Parliamentary Questions) to the Minister for Education who needs to stand up and make a full and transparent statement on her department’s involvement in this. This is a most serious issue, and she needs to be upfront.

“Many parents and educators alike feel that this material is clearly not suitable for young adolescents who are only beginning to navigate through their formative years. I believe it is vital that more parents are made aware of what their children are exposed to in the classroom."