Transition Year Sex Education Outreach Project featured on the Independent.ie Podcast

The 2020 Economic and Social Research Institute published a report in 2020 on ‘Sex and Sexual behaviours of Young People in Ireland‘ which has shown that 17-year-olds are more likely to learn about sexual health from their peers than anyone else. That poses dangers of misinformation which can lead to serious health consequences. On the first episode of The Science Week Podcast, host Anne-Marie Tomchak spoke with two experts from the Debunking The Myths project which aims to better equip teenagers with resources and information on sexual health. From the questions asked anonymously in those meetings, and the biggest myths surrounding this subject, it’s invaluable that this work is spread to counter the TikTok generation falling victim to unverified information.

Here at ‘Debunking The Myths’ we provide sexual health information to senior cycle secondary school students, from transition years up to 6th year. Our interactive workshops are delivered by a multidisciplinary team of sexual health experts including gynaecologists, obstetricians, emergency medicine experts, midwives, clinical nurse specialists and psychologists. The workshops cover topics such as positive aspects of consent, STIs, contraception, anatomy and sexual assault treatment. We pride ourselves on providing comprehensive sexual health education in an inclusive, non-judgemental environment.

Comprehensive and inclusive sexual health education is so important for teenagers, it equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their own bodies, and  their health and well-being. By providing this information teens are empowered to navigate their own sexual health responsibly and confidently. Such education fosters a culture of respect, consent, and inclusivity, promoting healthier attitudes towards sexuality, reducing instances of sexual violence, and ensuring the overall well-being of young individuals. By addressing the diverse needs and experiences of all young people, comprehensive and inclusive our sexual health education workshops play a crucial role in promoting personal agency, fostering positive self-esteem, and establishing the foundations for a lifetime of healthy sexual behaviour and relationships.