School Nurse’s Role

To encourage self-esteem and respect

To encourage high quality relationships

Risks of Early Sex• Research says most regret early sex (H.E.A,

1998)• Often causes emotional problems which can

effect development and education• More likely to have unprotected sex increasing

risk of S.T.I.s and pregnancy• 40% of 13 and 14 year olds were drunk or

stoned when they first had sex (Wight,’00)• Pregnancies born to under 16’s associated

with more ‘still births’• Approximately half of pregnancies born to

under 16’s end in abortion

Body changes at puberty

• Includes a natural desire to be attracted to opposite sex or ‘sex drive’. Approx 25% of 15 year olds have had sex

• Law (age of consent) 16 (different in different countries)

• Young people have also a desire to take risks

Sex Education v. The Media• Media portrays early sex as the norm e.g.

Sugar magazine• Countries with more developed programme

of sex ed. Have lower S.T.I. and teen pregnancy rates e.g. The Netherlands

• Government Sex and Relationship guidance recommends 3 strands

1. Values and Attitudes2. Skills3. Knowledge

• Y9 programme part of comprehensive curriculum

Education v. Parental Support

• Y8 and 9 - 2 lessons per year group

• Parental Support-Good Communication, high expectations, effective discipline, parental monitoring and good parent/child bonding