Menu
29/07/2022
SDLP Welcomes Move To Introduce Compulsory RSE In Schools
The SDLP has welcomed a move to introduce compulsory relationship and sex education (RSE) in schools.
SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter has raised the issue numerous times in recent years and said she believed it would help tackle the issues that young people are experiencing in their relationships.
She said she was disappointed that the move was not being brought forward by Education Minister Michelle McIlveen and the Department of Education.
She said: "The SDLP has long been advocating for compulsory and comprehensive relationship and sex education (RSE) to be introduced in our schools. Every young person deserves to have proper RSE in school so that they are best equipped to deal with these issues when they encounter them in their life and a solid base will help them to build happy and fulfilling relationships.
"It's also important that our young people are educated around issues like consent, domestic abuse and what is and isn’t acceptable in relationships. Sadly, we know that these issues are common in relationships amongst young people, we regularly hear about the need to change the way we view and treat women in our society and I believe that proper RSE could play an important role in tackling these problems.
"It's disappointing that the Department of Education has thus far failed to act on this issue. I have personally raised it with Minister Michelle McIlveen and her predecessor on a number of occasions and despite encouraging discussions there has been no meaningful action taken. I would prefer that this matter was dealt with without the intervention of the Secretary of State, but regardless of who introduces it we need to ensure proper RSE is put in place in schools across the North to benefit our young people."
SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter has raised the issue numerous times in recent years and said she believed it would help tackle the issues that young people are experiencing in their relationships.
She said she was disappointed that the move was not being brought forward by Education Minister Michelle McIlveen and the Department of Education.
She said: "The SDLP has long been advocating for compulsory and comprehensive relationship and sex education (RSE) to be introduced in our schools. Every young person deserves to have proper RSE in school so that they are best equipped to deal with these issues when they encounter them in their life and a solid base will help them to build happy and fulfilling relationships.
"It's also important that our young people are educated around issues like consent, domestic abuse and what is and isn’t acceptable in relationships. Sadly, we know that these issues are common in relationships amongst young people, we regularly hear about the need to change the way we view and treat women in our society and I believe that proper RSE could play an important role in tackling these problems.
"It's disappointing that the Department of Education has thus far failed to act on this issue. I have personally raised it with Minister Michelle McIlveen and her predecessor on a number of occasions and despite encouraging discussions there has been no meaningful action taken. I would prefer that this matter was dealt with without the intervention of the Secretary of State, but regardless of who introduces it we need to ensure proper RSE is put in place in schools across the North to benefit our young people."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 November 2024
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
20 November 2024
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
22 November 2019
Youths Unsatisfied With Relationship & Sexuality Education
Young people across Belfast have called for greater emphasis to be placed on Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE). A report by Belfast City Council's Youth Forum found that half of young people believe their right to such education is not being met.
Youths Unsatisfied With Relationship & Sexuality Education
Young people across Belfast have called for greater emphasis to be placed on Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE). A report by Belfast City Council's Youth Forum found that half of young people believe their right to such education is not being met.
20 November 2024
Hydebank Wood Prison Praised For 'Model Of Excellence'
Justice Minister Naomi Long has hailed Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison as a "model of excellence and good practice" following the publication of two positive inspection reports.
Hydebank Wood Prison Praised For 'Model Of Excellence'
Justice Minister Naomi Long has hailed Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison as a "model of excellence and good practice" following the publication of two positive inspection reports.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
