Average age early school leavers have sex is 13

WITH 13 the average age for early school leavers to have sex for the first time, the Crisis Pregnancy Agency (CPA) decided to launch a DVD to help parents talk to teens about the issue.

Research shows that a good sex education delays sexual activity among young people and also encourages them to use contraception.

Sixteen is the average age for teenagers to have sex for the first time but it is around 13 for those who quit school early.

CPA chairperson Olive Braiden said young people’s lack of information about sex and relationships leaves them vulnerable and ill-equipped to make the decisions they are faced with.

“Our research strongly suggests that parents play a vital role in closing the gap between what young people need to know and what they are picking up from less reliable sources such as friends, the internet and general media.”

CPA research shows both boys and girls are controlled by a desire to fit in with their group.

Girls face the task of trying to maintain a “good reputation” while being pressurised to extend their sexual limits.

Boys feel pressure to have sex, appear macho and sexually knowledgeable.

Interestingly, participants in the research were unsure exactly how sexually active their peers were.

The studies found that girls find it difficult to keep their boundaries when alcohol has been consumed.

And some young people are too embarrassed to carry condoms.

CPA director Sharon Foley said: “Young people who discuss sex and relationships with their parents are more likely to delay when they first have sex,” she said.

The agency’s new DVD and booklet You Can Talk to Me will be available free to parents through libraries, Citizen Information Centres and for use in parenting courses.