In celebration of International Youth Day, teenagers around the country have been asked to jump online and record their thoughts on all things sex related as part of a nationwide project to capture the sexual health views of Generation Y.
An initiative of sexual and reproductive healthcare provider, Marie Stopes International, The Sex Files project has been developed to gain an insight into the sexual health issues affecting youth today.
“As we approach the end of the first decade of the new millennium, it’s an ideal time to take stock and see how far we’ve advanced when it comes to sexual healthcare,” said Jill Michelson, National Clinical Advisor for Marie Stopes International.
“But just as our contraceptive options have increased, so too have the sexual health needs of our young people.
“Teenagers are becoming sexually active at an earlier age, yet they aren’t necessarily being equipped to deal with such emotional and physical challenges, and many are left feeling confused and confounded.
“It is therefore vital that we encourage teens to tell us how they feel about their sexual health situation and to let us know what resources and support they want and need at this time in their life.”
The Sex Files is informed by an online survey that asks teens a few questions about themselves and their current sexual situation and provides them with an open forum to have their say.
The project was developed following recent research conducted by Quantum Market Research which found that 9 out of 10 teens felt that the government should do more to expand teenagers’ sexual health education options.[1]
“Marie Stopes International will be collecting all feedback submitted as part of The Sex Files project and providing it to Government and organisations working in the sexual health field to better inform their policies and programs,” said Ms Michelson.
“To best support our teens, open communication and a thorough understanding of their situation is crucial, and we hope that through The Sex Files project we can become one step closer to meeting their needs.”
To contribute to The Sex Files project, visit www.likeitis.org.au. The online survey will be running until 30 September 2009.
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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, 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 more information on the organisations, visit www.mariestopes.org.au and www.mariestopes.org.au
For media enquiries, contact Kath Markov on 0421 097 150
[1]Sex – telling it like it is: a parent and teen insight, Marie Stopes International/ Quantum Market Research, November 2008. Available for download from www.mariestopes.org.au
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