Teenage sex survey reveals why information on being a parent is number one 'fact of life'

1 December 2010

Teenagers would rather have information on being a parent than find out more about sexual intercourse, according to a new survey of young people’s sexual knowledge, behaviour and attitudes.

In the wide-ranging study carried out by researchers at the University of Hull, the responsibilities of parenthood topped the list of must-know topics for 13 to 16 year olds, ahead of safe sex, sexual intercourse, contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

It was just one of the surprising findings of the survey of year 9 to 11 pupils from the East Riding of Yorkshire, which aims to provide a clearer picture of what young people know and think about sex.

It also found that a high percentage of both girls and boys supported ‘moral’ ideas, including a belief that first sexual experiences should be special and that sex should only take place in long-term serious relationships.

Commissioned by East Riding of Yorkshire Council and NHS East Riding of Yorkshire to evaluate the impact of the East Riding Teenage Pregnancy Strategy and other sex and relationship education (SRE) measures, the survey was completed by pupils from nine schools across the county.

The research was carried out by Dr Julie Jomeen and Dr Clare Whitfield of the University of Hull’s Faculty of Health and Social Care.

Dr Jomeen said: “There is quite clearly sexual activity in school age children. Knowledge obtained from sex and relationship education and other sources might not stop that activity but it does seem that those children with a greater insight are more likely to use safe sex practices, such as seeking advice about contraception, and to engage more with health services.

“We worked with a diverse demographic. Some schools were in affluent areas, while others were much more deprived. Although socio-economic factors do have some relevance, the survey showed they can be ameliorated by good SRE teaching.

“This is important because, despite a national strategy and approach to reducing teenage pregnancy, it hasn’t reduced to any significant degree and STI rates continue to rise, particularly among young people.”

Despite the success of SRE in shifting some teenage attitudes towards sex, the survey shows that old stereotypes still persist, with boys showing markedly less interest in teenage pregnancy than girls.

“As they grow older, boys think there is too much emphasis in sex education on teenage pregnancy,” said Dr Jomeen. “In general, boys are still more interested in the physical side of sex while girls are more interested in the consequences.

“This has important implications for the design of SRE which needs to be less generic so that it engages boys as well as girls.”

Ends.