Best Practice

Taking the sex out of STIs

PSHE
Many teachers feel uncomfortable tackling the issue of STIs within PSHE education. Al Campbell from teen health website Doctor Wellgood suggests a new approach.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are still on the increase. Statistics show that the most “at risk” group is those aged 15 to 24, with girls in that cohort representing up to two-thirds of new diagnoses.

In part, responsibility for this is attributed to poor practice when it comes to sex and relationships education. Yet many teachers feel uncomfortable in the STI space – as do the students they try to talk to about this issue.

Talk to young adults outside the classroom and they agree that in general the discussions can be excruciatingly embarrassing. The idea of anybody older talking to them about sex, and being judgemental with regard to what their behaviour might lead to, is a total turn-off. They see it as patronising, rather irrelevant and “preachy”.

Register now, read forever

Thank you for visiting SecEd and reading some of our content for professionals in secondary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content.

What's included:

  • Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcast

  • New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday and Thursday

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here