Parents told to warn children about sex

PARENTS must teach their children about the dangers of having unprotected sex, Andy Kerr, the health minister, said yesterday, after a report revealed government-led sex education is doing little to bring down the rate of sexually transmitted diseases or underage pregnancies.

More than a year after the Executive launched a multi-million-pound sexual health strategy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are up 7 per cent to more than 20,000, while teenage pregnancy rates remain high.

However, Mr Kerr insisted the strategy will change attitudes in the long term through more services and education initiatives.

The first report on the Respect and Responsibility drive revealed how sexual health clinics have been updated and a number of schemes are raising awareness about underage sex, such as a DVD made by young parents about their experiences.

But challenges remain in recruiting staff in rural areas and providing consistent services across the country. Mr Kerr said: "When it comes to reducing STIs, unintended pregnancies and abortion, education can only ever be part of the answer.

"We will continue to improve access to support and advice to help people make informed choices. But there also needs to be individual responsibility. Parents also have a role to play in encouraging their children to discuss relationships and sex openly with them."

Professor Phil Hanlon, one of the experts behind the original strategy, remains concerned that it was watered down to please faith groups, and as a consequence primary schools are missing out on important relationship education.

The Catholic Church said the strategy will have no effect until abstinence-based education is used.