Why is it important to speak to your child about sex?

There are various reasons to talk to your child about sex, most importantly to help them develop a healthy outlook on the matter so that they can grow up being able to communicate openly on the subject when they’re older. Many parents fear that talking to their children about these matters will cause them to want to have sex, but this is not the case. It simply educates them on an important topic that will help them develop a healthy attitude to sex.

Recent studies have found that 25 percent of teenagers felt confused and worried about sex and embarking on a relationship – the majority of this group also said that they would like to be able to talk to an adult, be it a parent or carer, for advice and information. While images of sex are everywhere, from magazine adverts and films to TV and the internet, it can sometimes offer up unrealistic and inaccurate advice. Being able to talk to your children at an earlier age to offer them the facts makes navigating this stage of their life far easier.

Research has shown that talking to your children about sex makes them feel less pressured to actually engage in sexual activity. It also helps them to develop the confidence to talk openly about the subject with future partners. Furthermore, it’s important that your child is well educated on the matters of sexually transmitted diseases, contraception and sexual orientation. If they know the facts, they will be better prepared when the time comes for them to put their knowledge into action.

Over 70 percent of girls and 50 percent of boys infected with chlamydia have no symptoms, and this is the most common STI diagnosed. If it is left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, including infertility in some cases.  If you can talk to your child about sex, you will have the opportunity to educate them on the importance of safe sex and of using protection.

Arguably the most important reason, you need to be the person your child can trust the most when it comes to sex – they will hear plenty of myths and rumours once they hit puberty, so they need a safe place to go when they need to express their worries and anxieties.