Young People Want Better Sex Education

The topic is about teenagers.

It is Thursday, 28 May 2026, at 5:20 am.

In short:

A long survey of Australian teens found that they are not using condoms as much as they should, and some are having unwanted sex.

The lead researcher says that young people want better sex education to stay healthy and have good relationships.

What's next?

A program in Victoria is helping by talking openly about sex and consent.

A big study of teen sexual health in Australia found that many teens are having unsafe sex and experiencing violence in relationships.

One in five teens said they had unwanted sex.

Many teens in relationships felt scared or experienced physical violence.

The lead researcher found these results surprising and shocking.

Year 10 students are learning about sex in a Melbourne school.

A teacher from Sexual Health Victoria is educating these students.

She travels to schools to teach these classes and has seen good results.

The most important thing is to remove stigma so young people can talk about their bodies and get help if needed.

The teacher travels to schools to teach these classes.

Students are asked to define what sex means to them.

A student said sex is not just for pleasure, but also for intimacy and love.

Nothing is off-limits in these sex education classes.

The classes focus on safe and respectful relationships.

Students are asked to define what sex means to them.

The school has a diverse group of students from different backgrounds.

It is important to the students that their diversity is reflected in the lessons.

A student said it is essential for neurodiverse people to have these options.

Because social cues and physical intimacy can be confusing.

The classes are taught in a sex-positive way but also acknowledge risks.

Some students noted that it is hard to discuss sex with parents or find accurate information online.

The lead researcher said that these conversations and education programs are necessary.

There is a need to invest in preventing sexual and intimate partner violence among younger teens.

Low condom use and the withdrawal method are concerns.

The survey found that half of the teens were sexually active, usually after turning 15.

Many sexually active teens are taking risks with their sexual health.

Condom use is at one of the lowest levels since the survey started in 1992.

While 80% had a condom available, only 51% used it, and some relied on the withdrawal method.

A report found that mothers do more sex education at home, which might leave young boys without key information from their dads.

The lead researcher thinks that improved HIV prevention and more contraception options might be why condom use is lower.

It is a problem because some sexually transmissible infections are increasing in Australia.

The research also found that few young people had been for a STI check-up.

Jennifer Power says young people want more in-depth conversations.

While most respondents received some sex education, less than half found it relevant.

Young people are looking for more detailed and practical conversations.

Fewer than one in four received sex education in years 11 and 12, when they are more likely to be sexually active.

The traditional 'birds and the bees' talk is not enough anymore.

Rania Omar said that lacklustre sex education failed to keep her safe.

Ms Omar is part of a youth advisory board that aims to improve young people's experiences.

We need to talk about sex more, and the lack of education and shame around it is hurting us.

Young people like Rania Omar say they do not want to be babied anymore.

And young people are seeing that and are going to change it.

She said she would have benefited from sex education that helped identify relationship red flags.

Gabbi Colloff said that young people are facing issues without enough education.

Gabbi Colloff is also on the board and said sex education needs to empower young people.

Young people do not want to be babied anymore, and the traditional talk is not enough.

We are experiencing new issues that, without adequate education, are hurting us.

The report called for governments to support more meaningful and consistent relationships and sexuality education.

Young people's curiosity about sex is nothing new, but the internet has given rise to new concerns.

Sex and consent resources have increased in schools, with national curriculum resources available.

The challenge goes beyond the school and into society.

Professor Power encouraged adults to have open and meaningful conversations with teenagers.

What we need to do is open conversations with young people and ask questions.

It is Thursday, 28 May 2026, at 5:20 am.

It is Thursday, 28 May 2026, at 8:25 am.

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