Sex education DVD aims to help parents

A free DVD to teach parents how to talk to their children about sex has been developed by the Crisis Pregnancy Agency, which …

A free DVD to teach parents how to talk to their children about sex has been developed by the Crisis Pregnancy Agency, which claims that teenagers want their parents to talk abut sex and relationships.

The DVD, presented by Dr Marie Murray and Dr Tony Bates, gives tips to parents on starting a conversation about sex and relationships with their child.

It also shows interviews with teenagers and parents giving their views and describing their experiences of talking to each other about sex.

Chairwoman of the agency Katharine Bulbulia said there was a lack of reliable resources for parents who wanted to discuss sex with their children.

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"Talking openly about sex is not easy for most people and I know that it can be difficult for parents, especially if their own parents did not speak to them when they were teenagers. But it is important that parents take the initiative here."

Teenagers were getting their information on sex from the media and friends, which did not always given them accurate information, she said.

"Parents may not be aware of this, but teenagers want their parents to talk to them about sex and relationships.

"One conversation is not enough. Young people will have questions as they grow up, and they need to feel that they can go to their parents to get the correct information," according to Ms Bulbulia.

The DVD is available by texting the word "Parent", followed by a name and address to 50308 or by phoning the agency on Locall 1890 944500.

Olivia Kelly

Olivia Kelly

Olivia Kelly is Dublin Editor of The Irish Times