Bristol parents need to talk about sex

Bristol parents should talk to their teenagers about sex because that’s what they actually want.

Research out today reveals that 75 per cent of young people want to be able to talk to their parents about sex, but nearly two thirds of Bristol parents think that their kids do not want to discuss it with them.

Despite parents believing that they should be the ones responsible for helping their child with information about sex and relationships, too often the child gets their advice from friends, the media and internet.

The Bristol Teenage Pregnancy Partnership is launching a campaign to encourage parents to talk to their children.

Teenage Pregnancy Strategy Coordinator, Anne Colquhoun 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.”

As part of the campaign’s launch ‘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.