Rotorua secondary schools comfortable with level of sexuality education

The teaching curriculum has become crowded and fitting more sexuality education into the classroom would be a challenge, one local principal says.

The first review of sexuality education in schools since 2007 has been completed by the Education Review Office and says schools have not kept pace with an explosion of access to pornography and other sexual content on smartphones and social media.

The report states upcoming findings from The Light Project, founded by Auckland sexual health workers Nikki Denholm and Jo Robertson, show many teens are learning about sex through pornography.

But their research shows most porn depicts violence against women (94 per cent), physical aggression (88 per cent), spanking (75 per cent) and verbal abuse (49 per cent).

"Pornography rarely depicts meaningful consent, and often includes coercion and/or violence, particularly towards girls and women," the ERO findings said.

"To meet the needs of young people in our current context, sexuality education needs to be more comprehensive and the variability across schools needs to be reduced."

John Paul College principal Patrick Walsh said the crowded curriculum meant it was becoming increasingly difficult to fit it all in.

"At John Paul College we are trying to move away from the 'biology and mechanics' of sex education to focus more on the relational aspect, including the importance of respect, consent and the adverse impact of alcohol, drugs, pornography and social media on positive healthy relationships.

"Parents must also play their part, having those difficult conversations and monitoring their child's internet use."

Walsh said he had concerns that schools were becoming de facto parents, having to deal with cyber bullying outside school, obesity, and students who were hungry, angry and who had significant family issues.

"While teachers and principals recognise they have a part to play in these matters, it's not our core business and it allows some parents to abdicate their responsibility."

Kevin MacDonald, Rotorua Boys' High School head of faculty of physical education, said a variety of topics in sex education were covered at the school.

"These range from puberty, consent, sexual transmitted diseases, alcohol and sex, device usage and sexual relationships. We do cover pornography through our sexual relationships topic. This covers building positive relationships with partners.

"Every year we consult our community through sending out a newsletter to parents/ caregivers of our Year 9 and 10 students asking for their input. Parents and caregivers have the opportunity to withdraw their sons from the programme if they wish."

MacDonald said outside providers were also used to cover these topics.

"Sexwise is run by the Theatre in Health Education Trust, which provides innovative and challenging programs."

A Western Heights High School spokeswoman said media was definitely an influence on how students thought they were expected to be and behave.

"It is sad hearing stories from students regarding what they think is acceptable treatment towards others, and acceptable ways in which others can treat them.

"Our health classes incorporate safe messages about the influence media can have in regards to expectations, and discussions about personal safety regarding hauora [total wellbeing].

"Consent is an important focus, including the skills students need in order to say yes or no."