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."