A new campaign
will help young people to make more informed choices about
contraception, look after their sexual health and avoid unwanted pregnancies.
The campaign aims to promote more open and honest discussions
about sex, relationships and contraception among 16 to 24 year
olds and their parents. Research shows that a lack of knowledge,
and misinformation, coupled with poor attitudes and communication
is currently hindering their safer sexual behaviour.
The first phase of the campaign, Contraception. Worth Talking
About will increase young people’s awareness of the
different types of contraception and remind them that they
won't be protected against STIs unless they use a condom.
Despite recent progress, with teenage births down 23 per cent to
the lowest level for 15 years, there is still more to do. Research
and evidence shows that better communication and more
knowledgeable conversations about sexual health and relationships
are crucial to helping people make informed choices and take care
of their health.
The campaign will:
· give people the facts about sexual health;
· encourage
people to talk about sex and contraception - research shows that
open and honest conversations about sex and relationships can stop
young people having sex too early;
· raise awareness of the
range of contraception that can fit with different people’s
lifestyles; and
· encourage people to take a chlamydia test.
Gillan Merron, Public Health Minister, said:
“Sex still seems to be taboo – too many of us are holding back
from having the open and honest conversations that young people
need to make informed decisions, including about when
it's right to have sex. There is a method of
contraception to suit the lifestyle of everyone, and it’s right to
talk about these options.
“The Government’s campaign is designed to change attitudes and
show young people that having open conversations with their
partners, friends, parents and health professionals is a must – it
isn’t something to be embarrassed about. We’re striving for a
culture of safer sex and better relationships.”
Dawn Primarolo, Children’s Minister said:
“We want to help young people to talk to their family and friends
without feeling uncomfortable, so that they can improve their
knowledge and understanding about sexual health and feel more
confident to make the choices that are right for them.
“Through compulsory sex education at school and health advice to
teenagers, we are supporting young people to delay early sex, and
to make sure they use effective contraception when they do start
having sex. This is vital if we are to keep teenage pregnancy
rates on their downward trend, and to prevent the spread of
sexually transmitted infections.”
The first phase of the campaign, Contraception. Worth Talking
About, aims to specifically prompt conversations about the
range of contraceptive options open to teenagers and young adults.
The campaign is backed-up by polling released earlier this month, showing:
· 92% of people cannot name the 15 types of contraception options
available to them;
· nearly half of younger women (44% of
16-24 year olds) are not aware they might not be using
contraception that is the best ‘fit’ for their age and
lifestyle;
· one in five feel awkward discussing contraception
with friends; and
· more than a quarter (26%) never discuss
contraception with their partner and choose to opt for their
current contraception without asking about the potential
alternative options.
Unlike traditional Government campaigns, the Contraception.
Worth Talking About advertising features no people – real
or illustrated. Instead, the advertising will show snippets of
‘contraception conversations’ in speech bubbles, in a variety of
everyday scenarios, such as in a shopping centre, or in front of
the television.
The advertising has been tested with teenagers and parents, with
a strong, positive response from both groups to the adverts.
Viewers will hear people chatting, and see matching words appear
in speech bubbles. Each speech bubble represents a different
person, and the shape and size of the bubble will give viewers a
sense of the individuals having the conversations and how they are
feeling. The advertising encourages people to explore the
contraceptive choices available and to talk to a doctor or nurse
to find a contraceptive that is right for them.
For straightforward information and advice to make it easier to
discuss everything to do with sexual health visit: www.nhs.uk/worthtalkingabout
Notes to Editors
Other key findings include
· Almost a quarter (23%) admit there are questions they’d like
answers to about contraception and sexual health (female 23% and
male 23%)
· Nearly a quarter of people (23%) chose their
contraception without asking for the options first (female 21% and
male 28%)
· More than a third (36%) of respondents would like
to choose a contraception that helps them avoid forgetting to take
it (female 41% and male 28%)
· Nearly half of women (46%)
would consider a contraceptive suited to their lifestyle when
choosing contraception in future
Populus interviewed over 2,000 adults aged 16 – 50 online between
16 th and 20 th October 2009. The data has been weighted to be
representative of all adults aged 16 – 50 in England. Populus is a
member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. For
further information visit www.populus.co.uk
Contacts:
Department of Health
Phone: 020 7210 5221
NDS.DH@coi.gsi.gov.uk