Let’s Talk About Sex – To Save Our Young

Teenage pregnancies in the UK are way above those recorded among our European neighbours.

And the fact that nothing seems to slow it set arguments raging yesterday, with the blame laid at the door of the Government, the media, young people and their parents – anyone really.

Most agreed broadly on what factors lead to the rates continuing to rise, but ideas on how to stop it range from promoting abstinence and traditional family values to encouraging more openness about sex and relationships.

There were concerns that authorities are not taking full responsibility, that youngsters are taking advantage of the state to get housing and benefits and that teenagers cannot say 'no' to sex in order to protect their image.

And maybe we British are still too reserved about talking about sex.

The EDP reported yesterday that children and families minister Beverley Hughes suggested that without enlisting parents' help in talking to their children about sex, the figures would rise.

The Office for National Statistics shows the pregnancy rate for under 16s rose by 1pc between 2002 and 2003 to eight per 1000 girls aged 13-15. The rate for under-18s fell by 1.2pc to 42.3 conceptions per 1000 girls aged 15-17.

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