Frank discussion about sex key to avoiding unwanted pregnancies

SITTING down and discussing sex and puberty with your children is one of the most effective ways of ensuring they will delay having sex and avoid unwanted pregnancies and abortions later in life, according to the Crisis Pregnancy Agency.

Research shows that children who have frank discussions with their parents about sex, contraception and STDs tend to take less risks with sex. Irish people have traditionally found this discussion difficult and so the agency, in conjunction with the Health Service Executive, yesterday published 200,000 copies of their Busy Bodies booklet, a resource for fifth and sixth class pupils and their parents.

Public relations and communications manager Enda Saul said the leaflet will be given to the pre-teens after they’ve watched the Busy Bodies DVD in school.