Sex education in adolescence

Sex education in adolescence is the information and support young people need while their bodies, emotions and relationships change. It goes far beyond warning about risks: it offers accurate, age-appropriate and non-judgemental information so that each young person understands what is happening to them, makes informed decisions, looks after themselves and respects others. WHO and UNESCO describe it as comprehensive and continuous education that begins in childhood and broadens at this stage.

Why adolescence is a key stage

Puberty brings rapid physical changes: periods, first ejaculations, growth spurts and new sensations. At the same time, young people are seeking identity and independence, and their peer group matters a great deal. It is the time of first attractions and, for some, first relationships.

All this happens with very easy access to sexual content online that is neither realistic nor respectful. The UNESCO International Technical Guidance (2018) cites this greater exposure as one of the reasons to provide high-quality sex education.

Essential topics

• The body and its changes: anatomy, puberty, the menstrual cycle and reproductive health, using the correct names.
• Consent: a yes that is freely given, informed and can be withdrawn at any time. Silence, or the absence of a "no", is not a "yes".
• Healthy relationships: kindness, equality and communication; warning signs of control, jealousy or abuse, including via phones.
• Contraception: the main contraceptive methods, how to use them and where to get advice; emergency contraception works best the sooner it is taken.
• Sexually transmitted infections: how STIs are passed on, the fact that condoms are the only method that also protects against them, and how to use them properly (see common condom mistakes).
• Identity and orientation: respect for the diversity of gender identities and sexual orientation, without stigma.
• Digital life: privacy, the risks of sharing intimate images, pressure and blackmail.

What the latest data show

The European HBSC study, published by WHO/Europe in 2024 and covering more than 242,000 15-year-olds in 42 countries and regions, shows a worrying decline. Among those who had already had sex, condom use at last intercourse fell between 2014 and 2022 from 70% to 61% among boys and from 63% to 57% among girls. Only 26% reported using the contraceptive pill. WHO's Regional Director for Europe said that age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education "remains neglected in many countries".

What the evidence says about sex education

One myth persists: that information about sexuality encourages young people to start earlier. The review commissioned by UNESCO in 2016 (22 systematic reviews and 77 randomised controlled trials) found the opposite. Curriculum-based programmes are linked to:

• delaying first sexual intercourse;
• fewer sexual partners and less risk-taking;
• greater use of condoms and other contraception.

Sex education does not increase sexual activity or risk-taking. By contrast, according to WHO, abstinence-only programmes have not been shown to prevent early sexual activity or risk-taking.

The internet, pornography and intimate images

Pornography is not sex education: it shows acts without communication or consent, and bodies that are far from typical. Talking about it calmly helps young people view it critically. On intimate images, they should know that sharing someone else's image without permission is a form of abuse, that nobody should give in to threats or blackmail, and that help is always available to get images taken down.

How to talk to a teenager

• Use everyday moments, such as a TV series or a news story, rather than "the big talk".
• Listen more than you speak and do not punish curiosity.
• Respect their privacy, but make it clear they can come to you whatever happens.
• Share reliable sources and professionals they can turn to without you.

School complements this role. In England, relationships, sex and health education has been compulsory in secondary schools since 2020; in Spain, the law makes it part of the curriculum throughout compulsory schooling.

Where to get help

GP surgeries and young people's sexual health clinics offer confidential advice on contraception, emergency contraception and STI testing. If there is pressure or violence in a relationship, an assault or blackmail involving images, young people in the UK can contact Childline (0800 1111), which with the Internet Watch Foundation also helps under-18s get nude images removed; elsewhere, contact your national child helpline. In an emergency, call 999 or 112.