New report addresses the sexual health of London's teenagers

Recommendations for improving young Londoners’ sexual health are welcomed by Marie Stopes International, a leading sexual health agency

This morning’s publication of the London Assembly Young Londoners’ sexual health report highlights a number of continuing challenges to improving young people’s sexual health in London, including negative gender stereotypes, insufficient sex and relationship education in schools, a lack of local prioritisation and a lack of regional leadership on the issue of young people’s sexual health. Positively, the report includes recommendations to address these barriers. Leading sexual health agency Marie Stopes International issues the following statement:

“Recent statistics revealed that in 2007, there were 5,700 conceptions among women aged under-18 and living in London. In 2008 there were 89,762 new sexually transmitted infection diagnoses in London, with the greatest burden of sexually transmitted infections falling among young people aged 16 to 24 across the UK as a whole. The UK also has the highest number of new HIV infections in Western Europe. These statistics are of grave concern, and highlight sexual health as an urgent and major public health issue.

"Marie Stopes International welcomes the publication of the long awaited London Assembly Young Londoners’ sexual health update review. Both unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections are preventable, and we are delighted that the new report makes strategic recommendations towards improving young people’s sexual health across London.

"Young people are bombarded with sexual images via the television, the internet and even computer games, many of which include negative stereotypes around gender, relationships and sex. To combat such stereotypes, relevant Government departments, healthcare professionals, educators and the voluntary sector need to work together on media campaigns and increasing sexual health service provision to provide young Londoners with consistent, accurate and factual information about relationships, emotions, sexual health and sexuality. This will assist young Londoners to be understanding and tolerant to others, and not to be discriminated against themselves. It may also assist them in resisting pressure and coercion to engage in sexual relationships before they are ready.

"Marie Stopes International has been calling for age-appropriate sex and relationship education to be standardised across the UK since the beginning of this year. The London sexual health statistics illustrate that it is crucial to teach young Londoners about relationships and the importance of practicing safe sex even before they become sexually active, and that action must be taken to ensure that sex and relationships education is provided comprehensively to all young people regardless of gender, sexual orientation, culture or faith. Therefore, when young adults across London do make the decision to become sexually active, they will be equipped with the knowledge, information and skills to be able to protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy.

"Marie Stopes International is delighted by the recommendation that a London health professional should be appointed as a champion on sexual health and teenage pregnancy. Data has suggested that in those London areas where sexual health is prioritised and Government strategies appropriately implemented, real impacts and improved sexual health may be seen. Appointing a champion may assist in ensuring that sexual health is prioritised and addressed consistently across London, and further addressed at a political level.“

All quotes above are attributable to Liz Davies, Director UK and Europe, Marie Stopes International

Categories: United Kingdom; Advocacy & campaigning; HIV / STIs; Sexually transmitted infections; Young people

05/08/2009

New report addresses the sexual health of London's teenagers

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