Talking Together
Talking Together
Educating children and young people about sexuality and relationships is about developing their confidence and self esteem, knowledge of their bodies and the skills they need to build relationships. One of the ways that children learn about relationships and sexuality is from their parents and carers. A study carried out by Southampton University has shown how important it is for parents or carers to talk to their children and teenagers about relationships and sexuality. Children whose parents did not discuss relationships and sexuality began having sex earlier than children whose parents were open.
Children and young people get many different messages from books, magazines, films TV and adverts. These often conflict with messages given out by you as their parent and other adults in their lives. Young people find these mixed messages very confusing. Children and young people discuss sex and relationships with their friends, but this information may not be accurate. By talking with your child or teenager about these issues yourself, you can be sure that they get information that you know is important and correct.
Children need help to:
- Become aware of their bodies
- Develop a sense of self worth
- Protect themselves
- Respect differences
- Cope with changing feelings and relationships
Teenagers need support to:
- Develop communication skills to help them form good relationships
- Explore feelings and emotions as part of developing relationships
- Delay having sex until they are ready, and develop the confidence to say no as a positive choice
- Negotiate with their partner what they do and do not feel comfortable with
- Agree to have safer sex with their partner
For more information and support in relation to sexual health issues, please contact or make an appointment with one of our local services