Parents/ Carers
Talking to your child about sex
Young children are naturally curious about their bodies and other people. By answering their questions, you will help them to understand their bodies, their feelings and other people’s feelings. This is a good basis for open and honest communication about sex and relationships, growing up and going through puberty.
If your child or teenager is asking questions about sex, they’re ready for truthful answers. It’s never too early to start talking about it.
Talking to children and teenagers about sex won't make them go out and do it. Evidence shows that if parents talk about sex openly children and teenagers are more likely to have sex at a later stage and are more likely to use contraception.
There’s plenty of advice for parents/ carers who wish to talk to their children about growing up, relationships and sex – see the FPA and NHS Choices websites.
The sites include hints and tips on topics including how much to tell your child about sex and answers to difficult questions.
Support for parents and carers
Lots of people feel embarrassed or awkward when they talk about sex and relationships. It’s OK to be honest and tell your child you’re feeling embarrassed. This way they will learn to trust you and know it’s OK to feel embarrassed too.
Don’t just give your child or teenager a one-off talk, build the discussions gradually. This can help your child feel that sex is a normal part of family life. The FPA produces lots of useful books, leaflets and websites to help you. You can also use everyday situations or TV storylines to start off conversations - someone is always falling in and out of love in a soap opera!
NHS Choices has information on the six things that parents should know about sex. These concern chlamydia, missing a pill, condoms, emergency contraception, the age of consent and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Confidentiality and protecting young people
The law says that it’s legal for someone to agree (consent) to sex from the age of 16. If you’re under 16, you can still get confidential contraceptive and other sexual health services including abortions. You can get free condoms from some GPs, Sexual Health Clinics or young person’s clinics and as part of the C-Card scheme.
If you’re under 13 years old the law says that you can’t consent to sex. You can find out more about confidentiality, whatever your age, from NHS Choices.