Distancing Techniques

Educators delivering RSE and Health Education should respect both their own and children and young people right to privacy by always depersonalising discussions. It is not good practice for teachers to

illustrate learning activities with personal experiences.

Distancing techniques and activities are a quick and easy way for educators to depersonalise relationship and sex education topics that are being discussed and can help children and young people to discuss sensitive issues and develop their decision-making skills in a ‘safe’ environment.

Some examples are:

• The use of role play, which can help learners practise skills and behaviours

• Use of stimuli materials such as photographs, advertisements,
• newspaper articles

• Case studies and scenarios with characters that learners can relate to

• Using age-appropriate TV, film, podcast or other media materials

• Outside visits from guest speakers or theatre in education