Make A New Year’s Resolution…To Talk About Sex

Some people will remember their own teenage antics on New Year’s Eve and swear not to let their kids do the same. This is why national charity Parentline Plus is encouraging parents to make an early New Year’s resolution to talk about sex with their children and asks, ‘do you really know what your kids are up to on December 31st?’ By doing this, parents could help delay their child’s sexual activity and reduce unplanned teenage pregnancy in 2004.

The charity is promoting its Time to Talk leaflet, aimed for parents and carers who would like a head start with tips on how to break the sex taboo.

Jane Butterworth, agony aunt for the News of the World, says; ‘I still receive letters from pubescent teenagers who believe myths such 'you can't get pregnant if you do it standing up.' It's clear from this that a lot of parents find it hard to talk about sex with their children, and yet the more knowledge young people have the less chance they have of ending up with unplanned and unwanted pregnancies.’

Last year Parentline Plus received 4,000 calls to its 24 hour free helpline from parents expressing worries about their children having underage sex. A report launched by the charity in October revealed that many parents feel their children are ‘out of control’ and have reached ‘crisis point’ as a result.

‘We know that parents want to talk to their children but are often unsure of how and when to do it’, says Dorit Braun, Chief Executive for Parentline Plus, ‘If the lines of communication around sex are opened up at an early age, then It becomes much easier to talk about sex and relationships and to give easy to understand messages on contraception and the importance of safe sex.’

The Parentline Plus Time to Talk tips and hints include:

• Use everyday media to start conversations – soaps, adverts, TV programmes, magazines – then you can talk about other people which is sometimes easier to start with
  
  
• Talk about the importance of considering the feelings of others in relationships, and not just the biology
  
  
• Ask them about what they think about waiting to have sex with someone they care about, and who will share responsibility for the contraception and safer sex
  
  
• Talk when you are doing everyday things together so it feels more natural - washing up, walking somewhere, watching TV so it’s a normal part of family life

Parents wanting a Time to Talk leaflet or support can call Parentline Plus’ 24hr freephone confidential helpline on 0808 800 2222, or go to the website www.parentlineplus.org.uk