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12/06/2012
University Report Calls For 'Positive' Sex Ed
A report into sex education in Northern Ireland has found young people prefer to learn about it at school.
But they do not feel at ease talking to their teachers about it and some young people have had no sex education, although it is a compulsory part of the curriculum.
In a 2011 survey by Queen’s and the University of Ulster, 42% of 16-year-olds said school was the most helpful and reliable source of information on the subject.
The 'Messed Up? Sexual Lifestyles of 16 year olds in Northern Ireland' report outlines that nearly 26% of Northern Irish young people have sex by the age of 16.
The older survey respondents were when they first had sex, the more likely they were to say the timing was right, with 34% of sexually active teenagers saying their first time was too early.
More than half of the 1,434 who responded had only ever had one sexual partner.
Author Dirk Schubotz from Queen’s said: "These findings are myth-busters in the face of those who portray young people as irresponsible, promiscuous beings who don’t think about the consequences of entering a sexual relationship. However, the findings also show that those teaching sexuality education with a 'no sex before marriage' agenda need to acknowledge that at least one in four young people don’t make this choice."
He continued: "Many respondents were critical of the negativity with which sexuality education is taught in school. A more open and positive approach is required."
To read the full report, go to www.ark.ac.uk/publications.
(NE)
But they do not feel at ease talking to their teachers about it and some young people have had no sex education, although it is a compulsory part of the curriculum.
In a 2011 survey by Queen’s and the University of Ulster, 42% of 16-year-olds said school was the most helpful and reliable source of information on the subject.
The 'Messed Up? Sexual Lifestyles of 16 year olds in Northern Ireland' report outlines that nearly 26% of Northern Irish young people have sex by the age of 16.
The older survey respondents were when they first had sex, the more likely they were to say the timing was right, with 34% of sexually active teenagers saying their first time was too early.
More than half of the 1,434 who responded had only ever had one sexual partner.
Author Dirk Schubotz from Queen’s said: "These findings are myth-busters in the face of those who portray young people as irresponsible, promiscuous beings who don’t think about the consequences of entering a sexual relationship. However, the findings also show that those teaching sexuality education with a 'no sex before marriage' agenda need to acknowledge that at least one in four young people don’t make this choice."
He continued: "Many respondents were critical of the negativity with which sexuality education is taught in school. A more open and positive approach is required."
To read the full report, go to www.ark.ac.uk/publications.
(NE)
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