Expert explains how to talk to your teen about sexual health so they’ll listen
11.04.2024 - 13:05
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Parents have been given a guideline on the best way to speak to teenagers about sexual health and relationships. A recent report has revealed that nearly a fifth of young people use the internet as their main source of information about sex.
The survey of 1,001 students aged 16 and 17, conducted by Censuswide on behalf of the Sex Education Forum charity, found that 30% of young people use social media to learn about sexual orientation and gender identity.
Another 22% of them said they use the internet to find out about pornography, and 15% started watching pornographic content to educate themselves.
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Lucy Emmerson, chief executive of Sex Education Forum has warned that this puts teenagers in a vulnerable position and says they are relying on “dangerous” and “untrustworthy” information found online. To raise awareness, experts have contributed to a list of ways the topic can be broached between parents and their children.
Here’s how to get the conversation started:
Try to stay open-minded
Teens will be trying to navigate the realities of sex education and this can be really challenging.
“The key to supporting them is to ensure they feel able to speak to you if they have questions or are concerned about anything,” said Laura Coryton MBE, director and founder of Sex Ed Matters.
“To help with this, stay open-minded and non-judgemental. This will help create a safe space for them to open up when they need support.”
Parenting expert Kirsty Ketley, who runs Auntie K’s childcare and consultancy service, added: “It’s best to not judge your child or lecture them and instead try a more child-led approach,