The International Planned Parenthood Federation, a sexual reproductive health and rights organisation, released startling statistics on attitudes of young South Africans towards sex.
When quizzed about where they got their sex education, 38% of the surveyed youngsters (aged 16-24) said they learnt from friends, 19% relied on TV and the media and 18% took advantage of sex education in classrooms. Only 4% were told about the birds and the bees by their families, confirming the awkwardness many parents feel discussing sex with their children.
The survey further revealed that 37% of teenagers had their first sexual encounter shortly after their 16th birthday, compared with 22% who lost their virginity aged between 14 and 16, while 12% admitted having had sex before turning 14. The survey also revealed that sexually active youngsters weren’t using contraceptives consistently. (www.ippf.org)
Aurelia Mbokazi, Destiny Magazine, March 2013
