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When it comes to talking about sex and relationships with children and teenagers it can be difficult to know where to begin. Children and young people are learning about sex and relationships from television, magazines, adverts and their friends. The media is full of confusing messages about sex and as parents you can help separate fact from fiction. The following information aims to help you start the conversation today by providing advice on talking to your child and by highlighting where you and your child can access good, accurate information and support about relationships and sexual health
Why talking to your child is so important
It can help young people:
- Delay their first sexual experience.
- Feel more confident to say no, practise safer sex and talk to their future partners about sex, relationships and contraception.
- Be safer
- Avoid unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Making time to talk shows you are there to support your children as they grow up. It does not mean you are encouraging your children to have sex.
Research shows that children and young people want to receive their initial sex and relationship education from their parents and families, but many parents find it difficult to talk about it.
Did you know?.....
- Young people mature earlier and are more sexually active than your generation.
- Young people have a greater risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Under 16s have the right to free, confidential contraceptive advice.
- Not all young people are having sex – despite what they say.
- Most young people don’t have sex before age 16 – those who do usually regret it.
- Under 16s are less likely to use contraception.
- Many young people are drunk when they first have sex – and regret it.
- Sex education doesn’t encourage under age sex.
- Many young people feel pressured into having sex.
Top tips on talking about sex and relationships
Being a parent can be an extremely rewarding experience, but there are times when you feel that you need additional support and guidance. Visit out Top Tips page for tips on talking to your young child or teenager about sex. More tips are also provided by NHS Choices. Following the links below:
To find out about local and national services offering help and advice to parents/carers contact:
- Family Information Service Directory: a directory of local and national services offering help and advice. Alternatively email fisenquiries@torbay.gov.uk
or call 0800 3285974. - Sexwize : a friendly guide to sexual health and contraception services within Torbay. It also provides information, advice and useful links for parents/carers. Telephone 01803 656500.
- Is your teenager’s relationship healthy? : Information for parents on signs of violence in teenage relationships, and how to help your child.
Services for your child
Starting the conversation with your child about sex and relationships is important, but you don’t have to have all the answers. You can also help by letting your child know where they can get good, accurate information about relationships and sexual health.
You can also help by letting your child know where they can get good, accurate information about relationships and sexual health.
- My Bay: Information about sexual health, relationships and services for young people.
- Sexwize : a friendly guide to sexual health and contraception services within Torbay.
You can also speak to a local family support worker, who is trained to work with parents and carers. They will be able to provide support and information or let you know how to access a specialist service if this is necessary. If you live in Torquay telephone 01803 208104 and if you live in Paignton or Brixham telephone 01803 208102.
Related Documents
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Talking to Your Teenagers About Sex
An advice guide for parents and carers on how to talk to teenagers about sex and relationship.
Last updated: 06/07/2009, 4:09pm (1.3 MB) -
Where does your child find out about sex and relationships?
Information and top tips for parents on how to talk to children and young people about sex and relationships.
Last updated: 23/03/2011, 12:29pm (232 KB)
Related Websites
- British Pregnancy Advisory Service
- Brook
- Eddystone
- Family Planning Association
- Marie Stopes International - Sexual Health Information
- NHS Choices
- NHS Choices: Sexual Health
- NHS Direct
- R U Thinking
- SDHCT: Sexual Medicine Service
- TheSite.org
Contact Teenage Pregnancy Co-ordinator
Being Healthy Team
- Tel: 01803 208903
- Email: csenquiries@torbay.gov.uk
- Fax: N/A
