Choice Ireland

Friday, 14 May 2010 12:03

Three quarters of Irish teenagers receive no education in Relationships and Sexuality, according to a survey of school students released today.

The study was carried out by young people under the guidance of a professional researcher.

It found that just 26% of second-level students received sex education in 2009.

Previous studies into the implementation of school programmes on Relationships and Sexuality Education have found high levels of participation.

But this survey, carried out by young people from the Dáil na nÓg Council, tells a different story.

With the help of a trained researcher council members surveyed 200 teenagers from 94 second-level schools across the country.

74% of respondents said they had received no Relationship and Sexuality education at all last year.

Of the small number that had, the subject was most likely to be delivered as part of religion class.

Students complained of teachers being embarrassed and afraid to talk about sex, in some cases for religious reasons.

Minister for Children & Youth Affairs Barry Andrews has said the findings are a source of concern.

Most of the young people surveyed said they believed sex education in schools should be mandatory.