Information for Parents
FPWA Sexual Health Services is a community organisation providing services in the field of sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing. FPWA is committed to the provision of responsible, accurate and relevant information on sexual and reproductive health.
In line with this commitment, FPWA provides information for various segments of the community, including young people.
Information on our site
Research shows that young people increasingly are turning to the internet for information on issues around health, relationships, and sexuality. It is therefore all the more important that they have access to information which is reliable, responsible and professional. FPWA has provided the information on this website to meet this goal. The topics covered are ones which young people routinely seek information about.
The questions listed are typical questions asked by young people themselves. These questions are ones young people ask parents or teachers or educators or friends; the questions young people send to health-related or family planning websites, and questions listed in books directed at young people. Answers are written by FPWA staff.
As a parent you may feel that some questions or topics included here are inappropriate for young people. FPWA is well aware that there are debates in the community over what kind of education on sexual and reproductive health should be provided at what age to young people.
Nevertheless, given that the questions listed are ones which have come directly from young people themselves, we feel that it is appropriate to answer them, in a responsible and informed manner.
Harm minimisation
FPWA takes the approach of harm minimisation, where one of our key goals is to minimise the risks and harms faced by young people. These include the risks involved in sexual activity which is premature, unsafe or unwanted, and the harms of unwanted pregnancy, disease transmission and violence. Some parents are concerned about sexuality education leading to earlier or increased sexual activity, however there is no evidence to suggest this. In fact, many studies show that sexuality education leads to a delay in the onset of sexual activity or a decrease in overall sexual activity. In addition, research shows that sexuality education increases the adoption of safer sex practices by sexually active young people.
Talking to your children
Parents often find it hard to talk to their children, especially when the topic has anything to do with sex, but young people need accurate information if they are to negotiate sexual relationships safely and responsibly.
Parents can prepare for discussions around sex in many ways, including reading up on current sexual health issues and equipping themselves with information about different STIs and contraception methods. Books or brochures may be helpful if either the parents or children initially feel awkward about having a frank discussion.
Quarry Health Centre for Under 25s, have created a handy tips and tricks page for talking to your teenager.
I need more information
This website is a great place to start, and more information on a variety of sexual and reproductive health topics can be found here. You can also contact our Quarry Health Centre or call our Sexual Health Helpline, as well as visiting the FPWA Sexual Health Services Library and Bookshop for more information.
FPWA Sexual Health Services hopes parents find this website useful.
Parts of this text adapted with kind permission from SHFPACT.
Page last updated Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:02