Thomas Gould
Ceist:1021. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education her plans to educate young persons on the associated risks with gambling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19319/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 21 April 2021
Ceisteanna (1021)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department of Education is active in the area of promotion of health and wellbeing in schools.
As a part of the Junior Cycle, all students undertake the area of learning called Wellbeing. This builds on the substantial work already taking place in schools in support of students’ wellbeing. Wellbeing incorporates learning traditionally included in CSPE, SPHE and PE. Schools may also choose to include other areas in their provision. For example, in recognition of the unique contribution that guidance can make to the promotion of students’ wellbeing, guidance provision may also be included in the hours available for Wellbeing, however, this is at the discretion of the school.
At this critical time in young people’s lives, students are exposed to a range of influences and require support to make positive, responsible decisions relating to their health and wellbeing and the wellbeing of others. Wellbeing in Junior Cycle is about young people feeling confident, happy, healthy and connected.
Wellbeing is one of the principles that underpins Junior Cycle education. It is also reflected in a number of the statements of learning that are central to planning for the student’s experience of and the evaluation of the school’s Junior Cycle programme. These statements include the following:
The student:
- has an awareness of personal values and an understanding of the process of moral decision making
- takes action to safeguard and promote his/her wellbeing and that of others
- has the awareness, knowledge, skills, values and motivation to live sustainably
- values what it means to be an active citizen, with rights and responsibilities in local and wider contexts
Schools have a role to play in supporting their students to develop the key skills and knowledge to enable them to make informed choices when faced with a range of difficult issues, including drugs, alcohol and gambling. This is mainly done through the Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) programme. While gambling is not mentioned specifically in the SPHE syllabus, it fits readily under the Making Decisions strand at primary level, and in topics and modules which explore making decisions, and decisions and influences, at post-primary level. This allows teachers and students to explore issues, which relate to personal decision making, within SPHE lessons, in a context and age appropriate manner.
SPHE is currently mandatory in all primary schools and in Junior Cycle. It also forms part of the mandatory 'Wellbeing' area of learning for the new Junior Cycle which was introduced in September 2017. Schools are also encouraged to deliver the SPHE programme in senior cycle.