Thousands of young New Zealanders will have their first taste of tertiary life in 2010 and Family Planning wants them to be well informed about keeping themselves safe and well sexually.

 

“Even young adults about to leave home can benefit from another facts of life chat from mum or dad or another adult. It might be the first conversation of that kind for a while, but it’s a great opportunity to remind them that the freedom of living away from home for the first time, does come with responsibility for keeping themselves safe and safer sex,” Family Planning Chief Executive Jackie Edmond says.

 

Family Planning health promoters will be on 40 tertiary campuses during Orientation Week promoting awareness of condom use and increasing awareness and use of the Emergency Contraceptive Pill and its efficacy up to 72 hours.

 

“Our approach, working with universities, polytechnics, wananga and other tertiary providers is to ensure young people have information about all aspects of this new life they’re embarking on and that they know about all the services available that can provide them with help and information if and when they need it.” 

 

Conversation concepts for parents:

 

Use the cues: Be alert to television programmes, music or movies that could prompt a discussion.

 

Be clear about your values: Before you speak with your young person, think about what your values are? What do you believe? Be honest about your own values and attitudes and be tolerant of the views of others.

 

Practice what you preach: Young people often find it confusing when parents/caregivers talk about a value regarding sexuality and then act in a way that does not support that value. Some common values about sexuality and relationships that most people support include honesty, equality, responsibility and respect for differences. But don’t preach – have a conversation with your young people – don’t talk at them, and listen to their points of view.

 

Be inclusive about giving information: Don’t say things such as “only girls need to know that”. It is important to remember that young men in particular want to engage in conversations about sex and sexuality – they just don’t always know how to start or how to start appropriately.

 

Your experiences and ideas are valued but must be owned: Using “I statements” to explain your point of view and backing it up with why, helps a young person to understand. Reflecting others’ views also allows them to see that you are aware of how others feel and gives a more balanced response.