Richie Sadlier launches SHARE, Ireland’s First Online Sexual Health Educational Course for Teenagers

Richie Sadlier has announced the official launch of the Sexual Health Awareness Relationship Education (SHARE) Programme, in partnership with Elaine Byrnes. The online course supports the formal learning around sex and relationships for senior cycle secondary school and first-year third level students, and is the first of its kind in Ireland.

Former Irish football international, psychotherapist and prominent mental health advocate, Sadlier has developed the SHARE course in partnership with Elaine Byrnes, Doctoral Researcher at the School of Psychology, NUI Galway. Olive Group, the Irish-founded EdTech company supported the development and delivery of the course. The SHARE programme has been designed to broaden the accessibility of educational material around sexual health and relationships for teenagers, and can be seamlessly integrated into the curricula of secondary schools nationwide. The course is also available to parents and kids as part of a subscription service on the SHARE platform.

Through the medium of blended learning, the multi-module online course hones in on the areas of consent, relationships, online pornography, sexual wellbeing, safer sex and the impact of alcohol on sexual behaviour. The unique Programme allows users to learn at their own pace. Informed by the academic and professional experience of the course creators, and driven by their passion to support young people, the SHARE Programme provides a novel approach to delivering Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE).

Powered by Olive Group’s bespoke EdTech, SHARE enables a high level of interactivity and engagement during online sessions, with an easy-to-use interface. Its delivery is further enhanced by the provision of a School Facilitator Guide, supporting teachers to augment the student experience with classroom-based activities, discussions and debates.

Speaking at the launch of SHARE, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD, said: “The importance of being open with our young people in relation to sexual health and relationships cannot be overstated. I am hugely impressed with how accessible the SHARE platform is- not only for young people themselves but also for their parents and teachers as well.  

“It is a comprehensive body of work that deals with subjects that could be considered taboo in some circles, and which some people may have difficulty discussing in detail with young people. But it is essential that they are dealt with, and this programme does so in a safe, fact-based and supportive manner.

“This is a very clever use of technology that will help to reshape society’s attitude towards the issues of consent and relationships.” 

Commenting on the launch of the SHARE platform, Richie Sadlier commented: “We’re absolutely delighted to launch this new online course. Myself and Elaine, like many others who work in this space, recognise the need to provide relationship and sexuality education to Irish teenagers that is objective, fact-based, inclusive, and comprehensive. 

“The SHARE Programme has been purposely developed to meet that need in a creative, innovative, and user-friendly way. The Olive Group brings considerable eLearning expertise to the partnership, enabling us to create a course we feel will make a real and lasting impact on how young people in Ireland learn about sex, sexuality and relationships.” 

Elaine Byrnes added: “The SHARE Programme is unique, in that it offers both a teaching and learning opportunity that benefits students and teachers. Students learn at their own pace, and through a familiar medium; teachers can then support and reinforce the positive messaging through classroom activities.”

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