Youth Week 2010 – media statement

Youth Week 2010 – media statement from Family Planning

Most secondary school students have never had sexual intercourse, according to the most recent New Zealand data – figures which are often overlooked in conversations about young people.

Family Planning Chief Executive Jackie Edmond says it is important to acknowledge information such as this – particularly in Youth Week (22 to 30 May).

“Encouraging young people to delay becoming sexually active is a key component of our health promotion and sexuality education work and is reflected in campaigns such as Only When You’re Ready, a delay campaign aimed at teenage girls,” Ms Edmond says.

Figures from the Youth 2007 research undertaken by the University of Auckland Adolescent Health Research Group indicate that 38 per cent of male secondary school students and 35 per cent of female secondary school students report ever having had sex.

“We applaud these results because we know that comprehensive sexuality education is an important tool in young people delaying becoming sexually active, using contraception and making positive decisions about their relationship,” Ms Edmond says.

The Youth 2007 report also highlights many positives for young New Zealanders, in particular that most students report that they are happy with their family relationships and that their parents care about them a lot.

“This is wonderful news for young people because parents and caregivers are the first and most important sexuality educators of their children.

“Teaching your child about sex is just a small part of sexuality education. What is most important is that parents are able to help their children grow up to feel comfortable about his or her own body,” Ms Edmond says.

“Children and young people need the information, confidence and skills to manage the changes in their bodies and in their relationships and to handle pressure as they grow up.

“Research shows that parents talking with their children can raise the age young people become sexually active, reduce the likelihood of unplanned pregnancy, and lower the likelihood of young people contracting sexually transmissible infections (STIs).

“Parents and caregivers may find it difficult talking about sex and sexuality – particularly because we don’t get much practice talking about it. But, when parents talk openly and honestly about issues such as virginity and teenage pregnancy, when they respect each other’s viewpoints, they model good relationship skills. This helps children and young people to develop their own attitudes and values – and encourages them to ask questions.”

Organisations such as Family Planning run courses for parents, caregivers, community groups and organisations on all aspects of sexuality – talking to your children about sex and sexuality, puberty, growing boys into young men and so on. Check out the website www.familyplanning.org. for details of a course near you.

The website also has a number of booklets which can be downloaded or ordered from the website.

Open and Honest: a parents guide to talking with your child about sex and sexuality. The booklet is designed to help parents and guardians inform and support their children to develop the attitudes, skills and behaviours they need to become a healthy, happy and responsible sexual adult. It provides information and techniques for parents to grab the moments that present every day to discuss sex, sexuality and relationships with their children. (Hard Copy available).

Open and Honest – Chinese: a Chinese translation of the Open and Honest booklet.

Your Choice: a booklet that aims to give teenagers a comprehensive read. It is direct, talks about young people’s real experiences and covers issues including sex and sexuality, relationships, pressure, drugs and alcohol. (Hard Copy available)

Q&A: for pubertal-aged young people, this booklet includes physical and emotional changes, reproductive systems, how babies are made. (Hard Copy available).

ENDS