Playin' It Safe

Parents’ Week – 19-25th October
Mums and dads encouraged to talk to teens about sexual health

October 2009

Prudish parents are becoming a thing of the past, with mums and dads being the best people to talk to teens about sex!

The Department for Children, Schools and Families found that only 4 per cent of parents would feel anxious if they were to discover their 16-19-year-old was carrying contraception, while 90 per cent went on to say that they would actually want to talk openly to their teen as a result.¹

Research also shows that where parents did have open discussions about sex and relationships with their children, their teens had their first sexual experience later and were more likely to use contraception when they became sexually active.²

The findings show a shift away from traditional stereotypes and demonstrate how many parents are becoming actively involved in helping their teenager access appropriate contraception and sexual health advice.

Simon Rushall of Worcestershire Teenage Pregnancy Partnership, said: “Parents and carers have a significant role to play in ensuring that their young people grow up with accurate information about relationships and sexual health, so they can make fully informed decisions.

“We know this can be incredibly daunting for some parents as they often grew up in a culture where we didn’t discuss sexual health – but this recent research suggests that attitudes are changing. Young people also frequently tell us that they would prefer to get information about relationships and sex from parental figures rather than anyone else!”

Advice for parents includes:

• Finding the right words. The easiest time to talk is when you’re doing everyday things such as the washing-up or watching TV. It’s more informal and less embarrassing than sitting down for a big ‘talk’.
• Discussing your values with your teens to help them form their own. Keep the discussion light, encourage them to say what they think and reassure them that you trust them to make the right decisions.
• Using everyday media to approach the subject. Celebrity magazines and soaps such as Hollyoaks are full of opportunities to start a conversation. Talking about how issues affect other people can be less embarrassing.

Leaflets offering hints and tips for parents and carers about how to approach these issues are now available by emailing teenagepregnancy@worcestershire.gov.uk

Further information and support for parents and carers on a wide range of issues is also available from national parent’s charity Parentline Plus, visit: www.parentlineplus.org.uk or call: 0808 800 2222.

¹ Report Commissioned as part of the Department for Children, Schools and Families’ Time to Talk campaign. http://www.parentscentre.gov.uk/_files/Everyday%20conversations.pdf

² A 2002 study found that, where parents did engage in open discussions about sex and relationships with their children, their offspring had their first sexual experience later and were more likely to use contraception when they became sexually active - according to Children’s and Families’ Minister Beverley Hughes quoted 26/5/05 at: http://society.guardian.co.uk/children/story/0,,1492434,00.html