Sexplanations: A guide to talking to your children about sex and Sexplanations: A guide to talking to your teens about sex outline the importance of telling children the facts of life, the benefits of an open and trusting relationship and how and when to start talking about sex.
“Many teenagers are about to embark on the end of year ‘Schoolies’ vacation with their friends or kick up their heels at school formals, and with the party atmosphere at an all time high the chances of engaging in sexual activity is greatly increased,” said Jill Michelson, Acting Australian CEO of Marie Stopes International.
“With over 50% of sexually active year 12s admitting that they don’t use condoms every time they have sex and 10% saying they never use condoms, even if your teenagers think they know it all, it’s important to keep the lines of communication open and keep talking about sex.
“It’s vital that teenagers understand the importance of negotiating safe sex and protecting themselves from both unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
“However, many parents either put off having ‘the talk’ or talk about the basics of the birds and the bees and never raise the topic again.
“We may not like to think that our children are even thinking about sex, let alone trying it out - but statistics show that young people are exploring their sexuality, often with serious consequences.”
According to findings from the 3rd National Survey of Australian Secondary Students, HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health, the majority of Year 12 students are sexually active in some way with over 50% reported having had vaginal intercourse. Nearly half of those students admitted that they don’t use condoms every time they have sex, and 1 in 10 stated that they never use condoms.
These statistics come in light of reports showing that Chlamydia notifications exceeded a record 47,000 in 2006 - over half of which were among the 15-24 year old age group. In comparison, there were under 17,000 notifications of Chlamydia in 2000 – indicating that the rate of diagnosis has more than doubled over the past six years.
“There is no mandated, comprehensive sex education policy in Australia's school system, so it is vital that parents ensure their child isn’t getting lost in the gap and having to rely on untrustworthy sources for information,” Ms Michelson said.
“When it comes to talking to your child about sex there are no set rules and, although an early start is great, it is never too late.
“Sexplanations gives parents tips on how to get the conversation started and keep the lines of communication open when it comes to sex.
“The guides are also handy information tools for educators to either suggest to parents or use in their own sex education dealings with youth.
“The fact is young people are having sex, and they are having unprotected sex - ignoring the problem won’t make it go away, but having an open, trusting relationship and educating them on the risks will help contain it.”
Sexplanations: A guide to talking to your children about sex is targeted at parents of 3 – 13 year olds and features information on what to say and when to say it. The guide also includes facts on the cervical cancer vaccination and the law when it comes to sex.
Sexplanations: A guide to talking to your teenager about sex is targeted at parents of 13 – 18 year olds and features information on sex under the influence of alcohol and drugs, teenage pregnancy and homosexuality.
The Sexplanations series can be downloaded from the Marie Stopes International website – www.mariestopes.org.au.
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About Marie Stopes International: Marie Stopes International is a not-for-profit sexual and reproductive healthcare provider, with centres in the ACT, Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia. The organisation offers a range of services, including abortion, vasectomy, sexually transmitted infection check-ups and contraception. Surplus proceeds from Australian activities support the work of the Marie Stopes International Partnership, which delivers sexual and reproductive health services to over four million people in 38 countries worldwide.
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