‘Third of young women have unprotected sex’

Posted on November 2, 2009
Filed Under 1 |

A national survey of girls and women aged seven to 21 has revealed that many are concerned about sexually transmitted diseases but too few are taking steps to prevent them.

Girlguiding UK quizzed 1,109 girls and women aged seven to 21 on topics including sexual health, binge drinking, eating disorders, plastic surgery and body image.

It found that while those questioned were concerned about the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, more than a third of girls in the 16-21 age group admitted to having had unprotected sex.

It found that 24% of 16 to 21-year-olds would consider having cosmetic surgery, while 12% of 11 to 16-year-olds would consider having a gastric band or plastic surgery and 5% would think about Botox.

For the first time youngsters who were not members of the organisation were also quizzed.

Chief Guide Liz Burnley said: “We in guiding know that girls between seven and 21 have some pretty strong views. The results of this landmark survey show just how much they have to say on issues that affect their daily lives.

“It is part of our responsibility to the next generation to ensure that their views and opinions are counted and in our centenary year we are proud to make this contribution to the policy debate on behalf of all girls, not just our members. We hope that it will help inform decision making about how to better engage with girls and young people.”

http://mariestopes.org.uk/Press/UK/%60Third_of_young_women_have_unprotected_sex%60.aspx