Many male teachers regard the teaching of social and sex education as "women's work" and are reluctant to become involved, according to a new report.
The report confirms new research indicating that less than 10 per cent of male teachers are willing to attend in-service training on social and sex education.
The group which advises the Minister for Education on curriculum issues, the NCCA, says greater "support and encouragement" is needed to "promote greater involvement by male teachers" in social, personal and health education.
It is understood that the Department of Education and Science - as part of a recent research project - invited male teachers to explain their reluctance to attend in-service training in this area.
The research by Mr Tom Geary of the University of Limerick, found that male teachers will readily attend in-service training on social and sex education - provided a supportive environment is provided. His report will be published shortly.
Some educationalists are baffled by the reluctance of male teachers to address sex education before a classroom. One said: "It seems to be a uniquely Irish phenomenon. Male biology teachers don't think twice about dealing with sexual matters . . . but once it steers into the relationship area, some males seem very shy".
Mr John White, deputy general secretary of ASTI, said it was important that both male and female teachers were available to teach in this area and provide good role models for pupils. But male teachers who were reluctant to teach the subject needed "support and understanding", he said.
Since last month, all schools must timetable social and sex education - known officially as Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) - for classes up to Junior Cert.
The controversial programme, Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE), which was criticised by some parent groups, has now been incorporated into the social education programme.
In a discussion paper, the NCCA - says that many 5th and 6th year students do not have access to any social and sex education. This , it says, is despite evidence "that young people's lifestyle choices are often not health promoting in the area of diet, exercise, alcohol, drugs, smoking and sexual health".
