Young People

Key issues around Sex, sexual Health and relationships and young people

  • Adult perceptions of young people – attitudes towards under age sex
  • The impact of the media on Young peoples attitudes and understanding of sex and relationships ‘Sex Sells’
  • General issues around young peoples risk taking Behaviour particularly the impact of drugs and Alcohol on sexual activity
  • Negotiation skills - how do young people approach negotiating sex and condom use
  • Lack of or confused information about sexual health and STI’s
  • SRE in schools to what extent does it provide the information young people need – does it include Relationships and Negotiation skills?
  • The role of parents in SRE with young people
  • Peer pressure ‘ Is everyone Doing It’
  • Am I ‘normal’ myths around sex and masturbation – do young people have the information they need
  • Understanding body changes and bodily functions
  • Issues around sexuality, gender and religious or cultural beliefs

A rise in STI’S Amongst young people

The Department of Health’s National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV (DOH 2001) identifies Chlamydia, non-specific urethritis and wart virus infections are now the most common conditions, but almost all sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) are becoming more common. Diagnoses of genital chlamydia almost doubled during the 1990s, with a particularly marked increase in men and women aged under 20. Recent surveys of women indicate chlamydia infection rates of up to 12%.

(HDA Evidence briefing summary 2004)

Sex and relationships Education

The Sex Education Forum is an independent body, which aims to “Promote sex and relationships education for all children, young people at home; in school and educational settings; and in health, youth, community and public care settings”. It is renowned for its work in this field and for its impact at a national and local level. The National Youth Agency is among its members.

The following is the chosen definition of Sex and Relationships Education as stated by the Sex Education Forum.

“Lifelong learning about sex, sexuality, emotions, relationships and sexual health. It involves acquiring information, developing skills and forming positive beliefs, values and attitudes”