From Embarrassment to Engagement: Redefining Sexual Health Education in Ireland

Talking to teenagers about sexual health has always been a delicate task, often met with blushes and awkward silences from students and teachers alike. But in today’s digital world, where misinformation spreads faster than wildfire on TikTok, this conversation is important now more than ever. As we approach World Sexual Health Day on 4^th September, with its vital theme of ‘Sexual Justice’ and ‘Access to Information,’ the urgency has never been clearer.

At the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, we noticed a number of alarming trends: a surge in myths about sexual health, rise in STIs and a worrying drop in contraception use among young people. In response, “Debunking the Myths: The Science Behind Our Sexual Health” was launched in 2022 to tackle misinformation and educate young people. Our goal? To empower Irish teenagers with accurate, evidence-based information directly from medical professionals.

The silent questions: why anonymity is key

To date, our Research Ireland funded education programme has reached over 17,700 students across 166 schools in 26 counties. How do we break through the embarrassment? We start by creating a safe space. Our workshops begin with basic anatomy, and although there are a few nervous giggles, it helps reassure the group of teenagers that open conversation is welcome.

Our secret weapon is the use of an anonymous online platform, where students can ask the questions they’d never dare voice aloud, free from judgment or shame directly to a healthcare provider. For LGBTQ+ students, especially those not yet openly out, this means accessing crucial health information without compromising their safety or identity. Every single anonymous question reflects the pressing need for this safe space and we are committed to answering every one. 

Young people often can’t ask family or friends about sensitive topics like sex, consent, or contraception. Some find it awkward and others simply don’t know how to approach the conversation. Debunking The Myths: The Science Behind Our Sexual Health fills this critical gap, providing direct access to medical experts.

Beyond labels and shifting attitudes

It’s natural for students to feel uncomfortable discussing condom use or menstrual health initially. But as our team of fifty-two dedicated professionals openly and non-judgmentally discuss these topics, teenage attitudes can begin to shift. We often hear students initially use harmful terms like “dirty” when discussing sexually transmitted infections – most of which have picked up from media influences and cultural narratives. These problematic terms can result in stigma reinforcement, moral judgement and have an emotional impact. However, by the end of a session, conversations are reframed, reflecting a deeper understanding, empathy and respect.

The most impactful moments arise when a student, clearly burdened by a health concern, finally feels confident and safe to voice the question they’ve been holding onto.  These aren’t just academic exercises, they are real-life interventions. Whether clarifying misinformation from social media or friends, or seeking advice on what’s “normal,” Debunking the Myths provides essential, science-backed answers.

Battling misinformation

The rise of AI and social media as primary sources of health information for young people is deeply concerning. A recent publication reported 22% of young people weren’t using contraception in 2018; by 2022, that figure jumped to 34%. A major contributor? Persistent misinformation. For example, about 60% of students in our workshops mistakenly believe hormonal contraception negatively impacts long-term fertility, despite clear evidence to the contrary.

 Teenagers spend hours scrolling through social media, where content is crafted to capture attention rather than provide tailored medically accurate information. We teach teenagers to question what they see and to think critically about the source and motivation behind the information. Algorithms often create echo chambers, reinforcing false narratives. Our goal is to empower students to seek out reliable sources and understand that a viral video is no substitute for expert medical advice.

The future of sexual health education

By embedding sexual justice, including consent, respect, safety, and education, into our program, we equip students with the critical thinking skills needed to navigate power dynamics and social pressures. We recognise the importance of educating and stopping the spread of sexual misinformation while empowering Irish teenagers to walk away feeling positive, informed, and engaged about their sexual health. 

“Debunking the Myths” has been recognised with significant accolades, including the Best Education Outreach Programme at the Education Awards 2025 and the Best Education Innovation Programme at the 2025 International Education Forum. These awards underscore the vital role our initiative plays in sexual health education.

To learn more, find a suite of educational videos on the Debunking the Myths TikTok and Instagram. Debunking the Myths: The Science Behind Our Sexual Health is developed by the RCSI Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in collaboration with the Rotunda Hospital. It is funded by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland.