Young voices on sexual health

Healthwatch Southwark undertook research on young people's experiences of sexual health information, education and services. They spoke to 105 young people aged 13 to 25 through workshops, surveys and school engagement, including students from Southwark schools and young people from a range of community groups. 

The research found that most young people felt confident they knew how to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy, but many felt sex education was inconsistent and often too limited. Young people said social media, pornography, peers, music videos and wider cultural influences played a major role in shaping attitudes and behaviour. While many could access information through schools, friends, the internet and sexual health services, some felt they lacked reliable information about relationships, consent, sexuality and emotional wellbeing. 

Many young people said they felt comfortable talking to friends and health professionals about sexual health, but fewer felt able to discuss it with parents because of embarrassment, cultural taboos or fears of judgement. Participants highlighted concerns about stigma, confidentiality and shame, particularly among some LGBT+ young people and those from more traditional cultural backgrounds. Sexual health clinics were generally viewed positively, although some young people wanted more privacy, shorter waiting times and more youth-friendly services.

Young people recommended more engaging and sustained sex education delivered by trained external specialists, beginning earlier and continuing throughout secondary school. They wanted greater emphasis on healthy relationships, consent, abuse, gender roles and sexuality, alongside better promotion of sexual health services, more use of social media and online support, and efforts to reduce embarrassment and stigma around seeking help.