Putting the case for sex education (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Putting the case for sex education

8:54am Thursday 26th August 2010 in Our View By Telegraph & Argus

Statistics about the country’s and region’s sexual health reveal that there is no room for complacency.

Nationally there has been a rise of almost three per cent in the number of new cases recorded in 2009 compared with 2008.

While the situation looks better locally, with two per cent fewer new cases over the same period, at 42,410, the figure is still too high.

Health experts also say that young people – especially women – are most affected and that re-infection rates are also a concern.

The latter means people are seeking treatment, but not modifying their behaviour, and so getting infected all over again, with all the risks that entails to both their, and their partner’s, long-term health.

It seems clear, then, that many young people still lack sufficient knowledge or, perhaps, self-confidence to make sensible decisions when it comes to sex, whatever image they may be keen to portray to the rest of the world.

That is a strong argument for maintaining the focus on sex education and raising awareness of the issues so more young people are equipped with the skills and information to negotiate this particular minefield and know where to go for help.

Such an approach may not be to everyone’s liking, but it has the virtue of being realistic.