Sir, I can understand the concern of Cait Ni Cuilleanain regarding the RSE programme of the Department of Education. But let's look at how things stand in this area of our children's education at present.
Most of us recognise the family as the natural group for nurturing children and giving them basic moral education. But a significant number of parents find themselves unable to handle the increasingly complex area of RSE. They are getting little or no help. Many try to talk with their children but their efforts are met with: "I know all that Mum/Dad."
The main sources of the children's information are the media: TV soaps, American chat shows, videos, lyrics of pop songs, teen magazines, the tabloids and, most recently, Internet. These "entertainments" are used as baby sitters by parents who are stressed and busy and have no time to view/read with the children.
The young people talk to one another about what they view and read. Often such discussions are no more than a cross fertilisation of their own ignorance. Even shy, carefully protected children are subjected to the gossip, the gufaws and the profanities. That's the scene we have.
The Department brochure tells us that that "parents are invited to help decide how RSE will be taught". Many parents would feel intimidated by this. They might hope that the school would take over. This must be avoided. why not have the experts help parents first, give their RSE talks to the parents, encourage discussion and explanation and look for ideas from those parents who have worked out their RSE system at home? Make helpful books, videos and cassettes available. Churches have a big contribution to make. Children need clear moral directives. Right and wrong must be taught. Boundaries and constraints are there to protect not to imprison. They create security.
RSE is already being taught in some schools with varying degrees of success. Why not take the skeleton plans given by the Department and enflesh them with the information, formation, values and standards we hold precious? Why assume that we will swallow the value free programmes that have failed elsewhere? Can't we make it different?
I have drafted some "Considerations for Christians RSE in Primary Schools". Entitled "Come Closer" these notes are available from me at the above address. (£4.50p incl postage). Let's hasten slowly and phase in programmes we are all happy about - for home and school. Yours etc.
Eden Road,
Greystones
Co. Wicklow.