A new ad campaign to cut teenage pregnancies and encourage safer sexual health will be seen on buses around Leeds over the next few weeks.
The new ads show young people having everyday conversations about sex and sexual health, and include the messages ‘Sex - it’s worth talking about’ and ‘It’s better to have an embarrassing talk than an embarrassing time’.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage young people to talk more about sex and relationships with their parents as well as their peers.
Studies have shown that, on average, young people who talk openly about sex and relationships with their parents and peers not only wait longer before having sex than those who don’t, but they also have safer sex when they do start.
Councillor Stewart Golton, executive board member responsible for Children’s Services said:
“Many young people find talking to their parents about sex and relationships awkward or embarrassing. This campaign should remind them that being open and honest about their thoughts and feelings could help them avoid the life-changing consequences to having unprotected sex
“It should also serve to remind parents that they can have a massive influence on their children, and that frank conversations about sex and relationships can help them avoid difficult situations, and help them make good decisions for themselves.”
The campaign is being funded by the Leeds Teenage Pregnancy Partnership, and can be seen on buses across the city. The campaign will run over the fortnight around Valentine’s Day, which is a time when there is usually a large increase in both teenage pregnancies and STIs.
Young people who want advice on sexual health, pregnancy and contraception can visit the Leeds Sexual Health website at leedssexualhealth.com, or contact ‘Citywise’ which is Leeds’ contraceptive and sexual health advice centre on 0113 295 4820.
ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact:
Emma Whittell, Leeds City Council Press Office, on (0113) 2474713
Email: emma.whittell@leeds.gov.uk
