You've been looking in the wrong direction, the dangers are coming from the Left - read OP

I agree that some people might use the story as an excuse to attack the messenger; in this case, Nigel Farage.

But taking that away for one moment, it seems to be a deliberate strategy of provocation. Many on the intransigent left want to provoke anyone on the right, even if it means supporting the publication of content like this (irrespective of the consequences in society, too). It seems to be a case of, "if the right is annoyed about it, then we must support it -- no matter what".

Now this is a two-way street. There are many right-wing activists who deploy the same stupid strategy, arguing in favour of anything that annoys the left just for the sake of it. That's equally deplorable and pathetic.

I think both extremes need to grow up and recognize that some things are just wrong -- and this includes the publication of imagery like that in nurseries.

First of all, bondage gear in a nursery is far more than "a bit OTT"; you are attempting to minimize it. At least you recognize that it's wrong, though, which is far more than I can say for some of the contorted, unjustifiable defences I have seen across social media.

On education, I do not have a singular concern. I think many bad things have happened in education over the past 10-20 years. This isn't something that has popped up in the last 6-months. If we start at the very top, we see how students are far less tolerant of certain views; how they demand safe spaces; how professors are expected to sign-up to the program; how there is a clear unwillingness to debate certain ideas. That has created a generation of fragile minds, which is unhealthy -- both for the individual and society at large; what Jonathan Heidt described well in his book, The Coddling of the American Mind. In another thread, there is talk about introducing divisive US culture war concepts, such as "white male privilege", into curricula. And so on, and so on, and so on; you get the picture.

In other words, the education system has failed students -- from nursery right through to university. The core reason for that failure is this concerted attempt to introduce bad ideas into the minds of children and young adults; stifling their resilience whilst at the same time elevating personal feelings as primacy.

The education system in the past was bad, it had its faults -- I agree. But it has worsened over time, not improved. It is largely no longer fit for purpose. I also agree that sex education is important, I don't think anyone reasonable would disagree with that.

But there are questions to be asked about whether certain topics are appropriate for certain age groups. For example, when parents expressed concern about the bondage image, they were told the image was wholly justified. It is quite clearly the wrong thing to do. This isn't the only example of excess, it is becoming more frequent over time -- and very often justified (as some on this thread have already attempted to do).

It's these kinds of excesses in education that people are drawing attention to, not reasonable ideas or concepts.

As I said, I don't have any problem with formal sex education in this country.

Do you think the bondage picture is appropriate for 4 year old children?

I have supported it by reference to Jonathan Heidt's study of the subject, which is infinitely more illuminating than anything I personally believe.

His study expands on the impact on Western countries generally, though focuses on the US where these toxic ideas have taken most root in education.

No, Heidt was studying how education has changed in the US based on a number of factors, many of which are seeping into Irish society, the UK, over time.

It's not to say the Irish education system is as bad as the US. That would be absurd. It's about saying we don't want the Irish education system to morph into what has happened in the US.