In 1999 there were around 42,028 conceptions to women under the age of 18. The rate of teenage pregnancy and birth in the UK is higher than any other Western European country. Wales has the highest rate with 37.7 teenage births per 1000. This is six times higher than the Netherlands. So what exactly is wrong in the U.K?
Some people believe that the government makes life too easy for teenage mothers by offering houses and money. But is this really the problem? In my opinion, the answer to lower teenage pregnancy is straightforward. Better sex education in schools.
Sex education is too little-too late. The best sex education that we get is in Year 11 when we are 16, but for many this is already too late. Some don't even make it to the lesson! Just because the legal age to have sex is 16, this does not mean that this is when people should be taught the dangers of unprotected sex. So what is the answer to preventing the high rate of teenage pregnancies?
Sex education should start when children are around eleven. To some this might seem extreme. However, is it not better that they know the dangers that surround sex from an early age, rather than risk STIs or pregnancy?
There are many projects that could be making a big impact, but aren't. For example, last year and again this year pupils in the lower sixth are involved in a peer education scheme where sixth form pupils teach pupils in Year 9 about such issues. However, many schools reject the scheme as they see it is inappropriate. Being taught sex education by your peers in a situation where you might listen and learn has to be more appropriate than leaving it up to an often embarrassed teacher.
If you ask any pupil from Years 7 to 11, you will find that sex education is rubbish. So how do we deal with high teenage pregnancy rates? Deal with the appalling sex education first.
Emily
your comments
We're making some changes to the sites shortly and although this form will be closing, you will have other opportunities to contribute on our new-look site.
Amy - Surrey
Yes I agree with everyone's comments, and I think that it should be introduced at a younger age because of all the STIs and young pregnancies happening too often!To be honest, most people are either pressurised into it, or just do it to impress their friends, and I think it's stupid because it's just too dangerous these days!Please watch out, and don't just do it because boys want you to or to impress your friends, you do it in your own time when you are ready for it!ThankYou for letting me have a say =]
Wed Oct 3 17:23:16 2007
Megan
I totally agree about the lack of sex education lessons. It is indeed a little too late for some teenagers and there must be more classes in schools around the country!!Great article!
Wed Aug 15 12:22:24 2007
Emma Wilton, Kent
I think sex education can be improved in a variety of ways, teaching respect to onesself and to others, teaching that giving pleasure is important too and teaching about sex crimes, the consequences, the emotions, the destruction. Teaching how to do it is not enough youngsters need to learn the responsibility too. Including gainging consent rather than a female having to absolutely decline it. This creates too much of a gray area in the way the law works. Gaining consent would reduce that and make it clear to all concerned.
Mon Mar 20 19:48:22 2006
emily (the writer)
i see sarahs point but the fact of the matter is that too improve self respect you should improve how people are taught and with sex ed being taught about self respect should be taught as standard!
self respect should be taught from a young age anyway! its a life skill every child should have
thankyou for your feed back your comments are much appreciated
Tue Mar 14 21:27:44 2006
Sarah
I don't think teaching kids about sex education is the main priority - yes, sex causes pregnancy and STI's - I agree I wouldn't want my child to go through those at a young age BUT I believe we should emphasise the teachings of self respect. If you respect yourself and understand that other's should respect you I believe kids wouldn't feel so pressurised into having sex just for the sake of impressing their friends
Thu Mar 9 15:48:16 2006
Syd. Maesteg.
All one has to do is look at the BBC's Sex Education. It is simple and straight forward. Then decide if it is suitable for your small child.
Sat Jan 28 19:14:35 2006
Chris Rowlands
i think that sex ed should start in ur 7 coz i think that young people are to imature bout sex and the dangers that underage sex can have
Fri Jan 20 10:54:40 2006
Laura from London
I agree, this subject has always been dismissed and left for young people to find out about it the hard way. The youth of today seems to be quite immature and oblivious to the dangers and unneccassary stresses of underage sex. This problem needs to be adressed from its routes, which are, the adults in these teenagers lives.i.e. parents, teachers, councillors and friends.
It is the year 2006, these issues should no longer be embarrasing or inapropriate to discuss, but be seen as a turning point and a way of making young people that bit more wiser.
Sat Jan 7 23:10:44 2006
jack from pontyberem
too right!
Wed Nov 16 11:07:22 2005
Joanna Jones from Carmarthen
I strongly agree with Emily's comments. Sex education should begin in Year 7, and it should focus on the emotional aspect, as well as the dangers of unprotected sex. In particular, the issue of why young people feel the need to have sex should be explored. Low aspirations and low self-esteem are, in my opinion, major factors. Well done for raising such an important issue that too often is swept under the carpet.
Sun Nov 13 08:23:22 2005
Sara Edwards from Carmarthen
I think that this article is very good! I strongly agree that the sex ed in schools is not up to the standard that it should be! We should be educated from the age of 11-16 fully and maybe have a lesson a fortnight on sex ed! :P
Tue Nov 8 11:20:21 2005
Lauren from Carmarthen
Well done. This is really good, it proves that the sex education young people are recieving is not getting the message through and the figures of pregnancy are unbelievable! I'm sure people will take this into account and improve the sex ed teenagers are getting!
Tue Nov 8 11:18:51 2005
Sex education - do you think it should be introduced at a younger age? How can sex education be improved? Send in your comments here.
