"Children writing letters to Santa are being exposed to graphic, explicit SPHE Curriculum - Contradictory and Disturbing" - Cllr Sarah O'Reilly
“Children as young as twelve years of age who are writing letters to Santa are being exposed to the most explicit and graphic over sexualised material in schools”.
That’s according to Aontú Cllr Sarah O’ Reilly who says “There is a truly disturbing irony to this new Social, Personal and Health Education curriculum (SPHE) curriculum. It’s incredible to think that young children are looking for presents from Santa and yet deemed old enough by the Department of Education to be exposed to this hugely graphic content”
“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 Cavan Monaghan who have contacted me to express their disquiet about this”.
“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. Also, I know that many teachers feel uncomfortable with the prospect of teaching this material; they are deeply worried for their young pupils”.
“The Minister for Education, Norma Foley has serious questions to answer around this wholly inappropriate curriculum and needs to be held to account for it”,
“Who designed this content for instance and who decided that the material should be so expressly graphic”.
“This SPHE curriculum also raises questions over the NGO’s that are involved in putting this curriculum together and who I believe have inordinate power”. “
“Nobody is suggesting that children shouldn’t be taught about sex, of course they should but it has to be age appropriate and this clearly is not”.
“Incredibly, part of the text of this curriculum actually states that these very young students should not discuss the content outside the classroom”
“This is actually outrageous and actually seeks to encourage a climate of secrecy , the very thing that this curriculum purports to banish”.
“It is unbelievably disturbing and goes against everything that young people are normally taught that secrecy is not a good thing, and openness with their parents and guardians is to be encouraged. There is a serious safeguarding issue here” .
“I am urging parents of young teenage boys and girls to take an active role in understanding the changes in material for this new curriculum and do some research around it. I believe it is essential that they look into it themselves in a bid to be properly informed about what their children are being taught”.
“I am of the view that parents have a vital role in encouraging meaningful discussions about these topics at home with their children. I am a firm and committed advocate for a curriculum that aligns with the values and comfort levels of both parents and educators, ensuring a safe and appropriate learning environment for all students”.
