Children will learn about sex whether you want them to or not. Sex is everywhere around us, in magazines, newspapers, advertisements and soap operas. Children and young people also learn about sex from each other, and what gets passed on in the playground may not be accurate or what parents want them to hear!

All these confusing messages may lead young people into situations they don’t know how to deal with. As a parent you have an important role in making sure your child has the right information and skills to cope with these pressures.

If children and young people don’t know the facts about sex and relationships, and don’t have information that can help them and know what to do, then they are vulnerable.

Most teenagers are sexually active before they graduate from college. It is shocking to know that some young people are sexually active as young as 11 or 12, although the average age for first sex is 17. The fact is that you can’t always stop your teenagers from having sex and many of them will do it anyway. What you can do is to educate them about sex, pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS and contraception.

If you feel uncomfortable or unsure about talking about sex with your children, don’t worry – this is a common reaction. Sex education shouldn’t be a one off talk but a gradual process of communication. To help with this, visit www.swish.org.uk/ a sexual health website designed by the Brighton & Hove Primary Care Trust and Brighton & Hove City Council aimed at young people, parents/carers and professionals. The website offers a lot of information and advice about sexual health and sign posts you to other professionals and services in the city which can help.

Remember, if your children grow up knowing it’s ok to discuss sex and the feelings they have with you, then they’re much more likely to come to you for support when they need it.

• Be proactive in your approach by taking the initiative and raising the issues about sex and relationships.
• Explain that sex is not compulsory and that saying no is an option.
• Try not to give the message that sex is necessarily a problem. Be prepared to talk about sexuality, even if it seems difficult.
• Try not to be judgemental, but don’t be afraid to say if you think an activity may be unhealthy or could put your son or daughter at risk.
• Your child will learn by example – they will learn your family’s way of doing things based upon your values, culture, faith and belief.

Links

www.swish.org.uk/

Swish is a sexual health website designed by the Brighton & Hove Primary Care Trust and Brighton & Hove City Council aimed at young people, parents/carers and professionals. The website offers a lot of information, advice and other links about sexual health and sign posts you to professionals and services in the city which can help.