Pornography, consent and gender stereotyping will soon become part of the Junior Cycle curriculum.
It follows a review conducted by the Department of Education which found it was 'heavily concerned' with aspects of Ireland's relationships and sexuality programme.
Education Minister, Norma Foley, says the current curriculum is 'outdated' and significant reform needs to happen.
The new SPHE and RSE draft programme is due to be published by the Department of Education later on.
According to the Irish Independent, every school irrespective of their ethos will have to deliver the revamped version of the subject.
Anne Scully from the Waterford Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre says the move is a welcome development.
"Teenagers are tied to mobile phones, tablets and computers and have been exposed to so much information. It would be good to see them getting some clear and unequivocally balanced information on sex, as opposed to what they are often seeing online."
Anne believes its important that young people can clearly distinguish the reality that pornography is not representative of real-life sexual relationships.
"They want to be told that with regard to pornography - this is not real life. That not everybody in it is participating of their own free choice. That at the very least, many of these people are being paid to do so. Just to be quite clear, this is not what everyday normal relationships look like. I think it's great to see this come in."
It can often be awkward and difficult for teenagers to receive sexual advice from the likes of their parents, and Anne believes that allowing adolescents a forum to discuss their concerns and ideas in a safe and non-judgmental environment can only be welcomed.
"It can be a very difficult time for teenagers. They're trying to find their own identity. They're separating a bit from their parents - so they may not necessarily want to listen to them. A lot of them feel as if they are not understand in the world. To see that this is going to happen in a safe way, and in a way that will encourage them to engage in discussions and express their opinions in a non-judgemental environment, is really good."
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