Generation Y Asked to Record Their Sex Views for Health Study

Health professionals in Australia are asking teenagers to record their thoughts and views on anything to do with sex, as part of a nationwide project called 'The Sex Files', aimed to capture the sexual health views of Generation Y.

Jill Michelson, National Clinical Advisor for sexual healthcare provider Marie Stopes International, said teens were becoming sexually active at an earlier age "yet they aren't necessarily being equipped to deal with such emotional and physical challenges."

She said that that left teenagers feeling "confused".

"As we approach the end of the first decade of the new millennium, it's an ideal time to take stock and see how far we've advanced when it comes to sexual healthcare," News.com.au quoted her as saying.

"But just as our contraceptive options have increased, so too have the sexual health needs of our young people.

"It is therefore vital that we encourage teens to tell us how they feel about their sexual health situation and to let us know what resources and support they want and need at this time in their life," she said

The Sex Files asks participants their age whether they are sexually active, and whether they have had sexual intercourse. They are also asked to write freely about a range of sex topics.

The project was developed following recent findings that 9 out of 10 teens felt that the Government should do more to expand teenagers' sexual health education options.

"Marie Stopes International will be collecting all feedback submitted as part of The Sex Files project and providing it to Government and organisations working in the sexual health field to better inform their policies and programs," Michelson said.

"To best support our teens, open communication and a thorough understanding of their situation is crucial, and we hope that through The Sex Files project we can become one step closer to meeting their needs," she added.

Source-ANI
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