Talking to children about sex and relationships will empower them and encourage them to make the right decisions in the future.

This is according to Jeremy Todd, chief executive of Parentline Plus, who said it is important that youngsters get the opportunity to discuss these issues at an age-appropriate level.

"Children will certainly get plenty of exposure through TV, magazines, friends and the internet. Perhaps teenage girls and boys are feeling under pressure to have sex earlier as they're finding it hard to separate fact from fiction," he commented.

Parents should use the media to their advantage and use these stories as a talking point with their children.

Talking about sex in this way will make it much less embarrassing for all concerned, Mr Todd added.

The government revealed last week that it has written to secondary schools around the country to remind them that senior cycle students must receive sex education.

Written by Donal Walsh

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