Safeguarding Students in the Digital Age: The Imperative of Comprehensive Relationship and Sexuality Education
Time:
12:15
-
13:00
Location:
S1-08
Workshop
Ticket Streams:
Target Audience:
Secondary, RSE should be throughout from early years but main content will be focused on secondary, but implications of not teaching it early enough also discussed
Description:
In today’s interconnected world, students face unprecedented challenges, including sextortion, the online sharing of nudes, AI generated images, relationships with bots, and exposure to pornography. These issues pose significant risks to their safety and well-being. Research indicates that children are being exposed to online pornography at an average age of 11, with some encountering it as early as 8 or 9 years old. The digital content being pushed through algorithms to our children is alarming and much of this content is being normalized to them – it is no longer niche it is shaping how our children are influenced and see themselves.
This workshop will explore how a comprehensive relationship and sexual education (RSE) curriculum is crucial in safeguarding students. By equipping them with knowledge about consent, digital citizenship, being critical consumers of media, and healthy relationships, we empower them to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape responsibly.
Schools play a vital role in educating parents, many of whom are largely unaware of what their children are accessing online. This collaborative approach ensures that both students and their families are well-informed and prepared to handle the challenges of the digital age. Join us to discuss strategies, share best practices, and understand the pivotal role educators play in fostering a safer, more informed generation.
