Teenagers that receive sex education at home or in school are 1.5 times more likely to use contraception than those who received education from other sources.

This was one of the findings reported in the Irish Contraceptive and Crisis Pregnancy Study 2010, which has been published by the Health Service Executive.

According to the survey, the average age at which young women first have sex has risen from 17 to 18, while the number of 18 to 25-year-olds who claim never to have had sex is up from 13 per cent to 15 per cent.

The results suggest the quality of sex education in schools has improved, but it was also found that fewer parents are talking to their children about the matter.

Commenting on the study, Professor Hannah McGee of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland said: "These are very positive findings, particularly at a time when teenagers and young people are under increased pressure to become sexually active."

Written by Donal Walsh

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