Bristol parents think teens don’t want to talk about sex… but they do!
Research out today reveals that almost two thirds of Bristol parents think their teenagers don’t want to talk about sex, despite the fact that national evidence shows that 75% of young people want to talk to their parents.
Parents also believe that they should be the main source of information on sex and relationships, closely followed by schools and teachers. However, the responsibility is often left to the child’s teachers, friends, the media and the internet.
With evidence suggesting that talking to teenagers could empower them to delay first sex, promote safer sex and therefore reduce sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies, the Bristol Teenage Pregnancy Partnership is today launching a campaign to encourage parents to talk to their children.
Ninety-three per cent of parents surveyed asked for more support to include leaflets, a Bristol-based internet site and one-to-one advice and these are now all available in the city. Parents have also asked for parenting support groups which are being set up and will run from next year.
Anne Colquhoun, Teenage Pregnancy Strategy Coordinator, said: “Approached in the right way, talking to your children about growing up, relationships and sex not only helps boost young people’s confidence, but can also delay first sex and promote safer sex.
“We know that about 1 in 20 girls under 18 get pregnant each year in Bristol and this campaign is a crucial part of our strategy to reduce these rates. The role parent’s play is incredibly important and we hope that the resources that are now available will support parents to start and continue conversations with their children.”
Councillor Clare Campion-Smith, Bristol City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “We know it can be hard for parents to talk to their children about relationships and sex and that in some cases their own sex education might have been poor. But by providing up to date information and advice, we hope to give parents the confidence to start the kind of conversations with their children that the young people say they want, that parents say they want and will have a lasting, positive effect.”
As part of the launch this week ‘Talking to your child about relationships and sex’ leaflets have been distributed to doctors surgeries, pharmacies, children’s centres, youth centres and schools. Information can also be accessed on the new web pages: www.4ypbristol.co.uk/for-parents.
For one-to-one advice, parents can contact Parentline Plus on 0808 800 222, or visit the Parentline website using the link below.
