Launched in an effort to tackle rising sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates, mobile phone users were sent two free condoms in plain packaging when they text messaged their name and address details to 19 SEXTXT (19 739898).
“We are delighted with the response we received from teenagers and the messages of support for the campaign from a number of parents,” said Jill Michelson, General Manager of Operations for Marie Stopes International.
“The high request rate shows that many teenagers are serious about protecting their sexual health and practicing safe sex.
“It also indicates that removing cost and access issues to contraception, and distributing condoms using a medium and language that resonates with youth are all key incentives to practice safe sex.”
The campaign was launched following the release of research commissioned by Marie Stopes International and conducted by Quantum Market Research investigating Australian teens and their parents’ attitudes to sex.[1]
The research found that although 61% of teens rate their knowledge of sexual health issues as good/excellent:
l nearly half (45%) were not aware that they could be infected with Chlamydia but have no symptoms;
l 3 in 10 (30%) teens were unaware whether they could contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from oral sex; and
l over half (52%) think that by using a condom, they won’t contract herpes.
“These findings suggest significant room for improvement in STI knowledge levels generally amongst teens, especially with STI rates at an all time high,” Ms. Michelson said.
“Given that the majority of Year 12 students are sexually active in some way and over half have reported having had vaginal intercourse, it is vital that they have condoms and know how and when to use them to protect themselves against unplanned pregnancy and STIs.”
Other key findings in the report SEX – telling it like it is: a parent and teen insight include:
- one in ten (9%) teens say they have not been taught sex education at school;
- many parents (56%) and teens (69%) feel that sex education at the teen’s school is of average or lower quality;
- nearly half (48%) of teens want free condoms in schools; and
- 66% of teens and 75% of parents support mandatory sex education in schools.
“There is obviously a very strong need for comprehensive sex education and support programs in schools and the community for teenagers,” Ms. Michelson said.
“STIs and teenage pregnancy are key health issues that affect many Australian teens and it is time that they received the support and level of sex education they deserve to deal with them."
SEX – telling it like it is: a parent and teen insight was commissioned by Marie Stopes International and conducted by Quantum Market Research, enlisting the database of Pureprofile to select the sample. 1,000 teenagers and their parents nationally took part in the research. A copy of the research findings can be downloaded from www.mariestopes.org.au
More information on the ‘TXT 4 Free Condomz’ campaign can be found at www.sextxt.org.au. (ends)
About Marie Stopes International: Marie Stopes International is a not-for-profit sexual and reproductive healthcare provider, with centres in the ACT, VIC, NSW, QLD and WA. MSI offers a range of services, including abortion, vasectomy, sexually transmitted infection check-ups, contraception and community-based health promotion and education. The organisation is part of a global international partnership that delivers vital health services to over five million people in 42 countries worldwide. Surplus funds support Marie Stopes International Australia, our charity partner, which works to save lives and improve sexual and reproductive health in Indigenous Australia and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
For media enquiries contact Kath Markov - Marie Stopes International on 0421 097 150
[1]SEX – telling it like it is: a parent and teen insight. Marie Stopes International/Quantum Market Research. Findings based on surveys completed by 1,000 parents and teens nationally. Available for download from www.mariestopes.org.au
