Northern Ireland Department of Education moves to address misinformation on sex education

Northern Ireland's Department of Education has moved to address a leaflet spreading misinformation about sex education which has been circulating on social media.

In June, Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris laid out new regulations in parliament on relationship and sex education (RSE) making it compulsory for secondary schools to teach abortion and prevention of early pregnancy.

Schools in Northern Ireland are required by the department to develop their own policy and to teach the subject.

The department has written to principals during the school holidays addressing misinformation being spread in a leaflet which has been seen by UTV.

It has stated that the change to legislation does not apply to primary schools.

The Department of Education said officials were working on a full public consultation that will "address specifically the Secretary of State’s regulations".

"Once the consultation is launched, I would encourage all interested parties to make a response," the letter to school principals said.

"Following the consultation, the department will publish guidance to support the delivery of RSE in grant-aided schools."

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