The need to break down sex education barriers for students has prompted the development of a sex-smart CD-ROM.

The virtual classroom is allowing Nelson students to learn about their sexuality on a one-on-one basis.

The programme features kids talking about sexual issues, rather than a teacher delivering the information.

"There's still a lot of teachers that have difficulty teaching the subject," says CD-ROM developer Annette Milligan.

Milligan says a lot of students are also uncomfortable with the traditional classroom set-up.

"There's always a lot of giggling, but the CD-ROM just cuts through that in seconds," she says.

The CD-ROM - which has been in development for five years - combines Milligan's 15 years in sexuality education with co-developer Tony Lilleby's technical expertise.

Lilleby says that anonymity is one of its strengths.

"It can be very personal as well, and they can access and explore without anyone else around them," he says.

Nelson Boys College has put the CD-ROM on their intranet, with positive results.

"What they really liked was someone close to their age talking about the things that they're interested in," says Nelson Boys College teacher Neil Anderson.