Sexual health

Teenagers will be getting lots of different messages about sex and relationships from TV, magazines, adverts and their friends. They will also be learning about this at school as part of a sex and relationship education programme. As a parent you also have an important part to play in making sure that your teenager gets appropriate and accurate information.

Research shows that if you talk openly about sex with your teenager they are more likely to delay having sex and use contraception when they do. Talking openly about sex and relationships can be difficult so make sure you're well informed and have some ideas about what you would like to say before you start a conversation.

For more tips on talking to teenagers about sex and relationship visit the websites listed below.

• Parentlineplus
• fpa
• Brook

You can find out more about sexual health and relationships on our young people's site.