Healthy Respect recognises the important role parents and carers play in promoting young people’s sexual health. The family is the first, and probably the strongest influence on relationships and sexual wellbeing for most young people. Research shows that when it comes to young people’s decisions about sex, parental influence remains strong and has not been lost to peers and popular culture*. Children who enjoy a supportive, communicative relationship with their parents are less likely to become involved in risky behaviour later on.
Healthy Respect works to support parents in their efforts to develop their son or daughter’s knowledge, beliefs and attitudes around sex and relationships, through resources, information and social marketing campaigns.
Support for parents is also available through schools, community based organisations, health professionals and faith communities, to help give young people the skills and information they need to become sexually healthy adults. There are also many agencies working specifically to support parents.
On this website you can find information on:
- Talking together
- FAQs (frequently asked questions)
- Sexuality and gender
- Religion and beliefs
- Learning disability
- Young people, sex and the law - information for parents and carers
- Support and information for parents and carers
NB: We use the term parents throughout this section to include parents, carers and guardians of young people.
*Source: More than Words: A review of programmes that involve parents to promote positive sexual health among young people – commissioned by Healthy Respect and Medical Research Council 2005, carried out by independent research consultant, Deirdre Fullerton. To see a copy go to visit the Evidence & Reports Phase 2 page.