The Risk of Teenage and Underage Pregnancy

Parents of teenagers continue to be extremely anxious about the risk of teenage and underage pregnancy, but despite the headlines that seem to assert all teenagers are sexually active from an early age, the reality is not so extreme. Only a quarter of teenagers have had their first sexual experience before they are 16.

Parentline Plus encourages parents to show that they are there for their teenagers, ready to listen and talk when their child wants it.

Once the lines of communication are opened up, it will be much easier to talk openly about sexual relationships and to give easy to understand messages on contraception and the importance of safe sex.

All the facts show that if children have been told about sex and relationships from an early age, especially if this is with their parents, they will delay sexual activity and when they do form a sexual relationship, will be confident enough to discuss contraception with their partners and ensure they have safe sex.