Sir, - The fraught question of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) is again coming to the fore. Having worked recently with parents and teachers in informal discussions, the following appear to be the areas of difficulty:
A significant number of parents find themselves without time, inclination or "know-how" to deal with RSE at home.
As a result of excessive TV/ video/magazine input, children brush their parents aside, claiming to "know it all".
Clearly boys get even less help that do girls in both the physical and emotional aspects of growing up.
More and more families are experiencing marital breakdown, discipline problems and pressures which preclude their giving quality time and a living example of love to their children.
Parents do not know what concepts and street language their children are picking up.
Parents and teachers are confused about what can be said to be right or wrong today. Their judgment has become very subjective.
Parents are unsure of the moral principles of teachers in some schools.
Many teachers feel the need for more preparation for this aspect of teaching.
Parents feel the need for information and direction if they are to help their children at home and ask the most searching questions at meetings of parents and teachers.
Parents fear that children will be given vague "do-what-feels-good" responses to classroom questions.
Some parents fear that old-style approaches to moral topics will induce undue guilt in the children.
Teachers are often parents too and they share the apprehensions of parents. They find it very difficult to know how to deal with the important and searching questions of young people.
Clearly more adult education is required. RSE programmes must be monitored by informed parents. Teachers must be carefully selected on the basis of personal gifts and adequate training. Parents must not accept uncritically clever-sounding and glossy presentations. We are all concerned to do what will be ultimately the best both at home and at school. - Yours, etc.,
Angela McNamara,
Greystones, Co Wicklow.