MTV VJ, Denise Keller, the Asia Pacific ambassador for the World Contraception Day ‘Youth Taskforce’ (YTF) speaks up on the need for awareness and education for youths on sex and contraception.
She explains the needs for youths to pledge their commitment towards safe sexual practices. She said, “adolescence is an exciting time when young people are taking their first steps into adulthood and being truly independent. It is often the time to try out new things, including experimenting with sex. But sexual experimentation – if not backed up with accurate, accessible information and support can result in an unplanned pregnancy – all simply because young people are too embarrassed to talk about sex and contraception. Open communication with trusted sources of information is critical to enable young people to make informed decisions about their sexual health and contraceptive needs. We need to work together to ensure that young people are educated and empowered by encouraging them to talk openly about sex and contraception with current and future partners, as well as their doctors, teachers and their parents.”
Talking about sex with teen is definitely an important thing that no parent should ignore. A recent Asia pacific survey amongst teen revealed quite starting statistics, namely the lack of contraceptive knowledge amongst Asian teens. One third of Asian teens believed that the withdrawal method was an effective method to prevent teen pregnancy, and some respondents felt that taking a shower after sex, having sex in a bath, or lying upside down for two hours after sex would prevent pregnancy.
In the survey respondents also shared that they believed that the most trusted source of information about sex comes from their doctors and their mothers. But most feared talking to their mums because they felt embarrassed, self conscious or feared being viewed as promiscuous.
In the video below Denise shares about a teen pregnancy scandal that happened in her international school in Singapore:
