Educating young people about sex and relationships means equipping them with the information they need to keep themselves safe and healthy. Young people don't only need to know the biology of sex they need to learn about values, emotions, relationships and respect for themselves and others.
As they grow up, young people need information on:
- Their developing body.
- Respecting differences.
- Feelings and self-worth.
- How to communicate to develop safe and positive relationships.
- Developing the confidence to say no or to negotiate safer sex if they feel ready.
- How to resist pressure form others including media.
- Delaying sex until they are ready.
- How to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancy and Sexually transmitted Infections.
It's not always easy to talk about sexual matters with children, but the evidence shows that if you talk openly and honestly young people are more likely to delay having sex and to use contraception when they do. If they don't get information from you, they may get it from less reliable sources.
Although it is best to begin answering questions at a level they can understand, from the time your children are toddlers, it is never too late to begin. Talking will help you establish a trusting relationship that will continue into your children's adult life.
Let your child know you love them and always will, even if you don't agree with their opinion, or don't like their behaviour. Teenagers especially respect an open, non-judgemental approach.
Links
You will find more detailed information on how to talk to young people about sex, at the links below. Alternatively you can obtain helpful leaflets from the Family Planning Association and Healthy Respect.
- UK Parents: www.ukparents.co.uk
- Healthy Respect: www.healthy-respect.com
- Family Planning Association: www.fpa.org.uk
