As a Public Health Nurse a large part of my role is education. This education is not only about sexually transmitted diseases, but about the choices that each person has to make regarding the right time to have a sexual relationship; the possible long-term consequences to overall health from sexually transmitted diseases; and also the choice to abstain from a sexual relationship. This brings me now to talk about the wider topic of sexuality as opposed to sex. We are all sexual beings, and need to be taught that this is an integral part of who we are. Thus it affects how we react to different situations throughout our lives. It could be said that all children need to learn about sexuality from their parents, but we need to recognise that there are parents who are not comfortable discussing any topic that has to do with sexuality or sex. This can also apply to health educators, whether they are teachers, nurses or doctors. This feeling is then transmitted to children and young adults, making them less likely to be open and frank in discussing their ideas and concerns. When talking to children about sexuality, it is important to remember that all children are curious. Giving them correct information in an objective manner is more conducive to increasing their knowledge, then becoming emotional about these issues, and possibly passing on ones own prejudices and negative feelings about certain behaviours.

All children need to feel that they can trust the person in whom they are confiding. Teenagers need to know that whether you are a parent, health care provider, teacher or counsellor, that you are concerned for them personally, and want to help them make the right choices. They need to know that you are there to be supportive and non-judgmental about those choices.

For those educators who are not comfortable discussing these topics, there are excellent tools available to help, in the form of books, leaflets, educational videos, and workshops. For those teenagers who find it difficult to talk to their parents, there are several options, some of whom have already been mentioned -- teachers, counsellors, nurses, physicians, and in addition, church pastors. Last, but by no means least, are the peer counsellors within the school system, who have been specially selected and trained in helping their contempories to deal with their problems, and who can also direct them to other helping services.

Let us remember that the teenage years are a time of transition from childhood to adulthood. There are many issues that teenagers are confronted with, and it is normal for them to feel confused about choices. Add to this the pressure from other teens, some adults, and some movies and TV programmes to have early sexual involvement. It is no wonder that their confusion increases. There is a need at any age to "belong''. Teenagers need to be reassured that it is all right to move at their own speed and not everyone else's! I have addressed most of my remarks to adults, but there are some things I would say to teenagers. Some important things for you to remember are: Don't let anyone pressure you, or rush you into situations you are not ready for.

Don't rush anyone else into anything.

Don't feel that you have to prove how great you are by the number of sexual experiences that you have.

Don't blame yourself endlessly for any mistakes that you make. We all make mistakes, that is how we learn.

If you try something and you don't like it, then STOP. You don't have to continue. It is often very difficult with sexual feelings to be sure and decide that this is what you want.

Take responsibility. If you make a decision to have a sexual relationship, get all the information you can about health risks, including pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. This is very important. The younger a girl starts to have sexual intercourse, the higher her risk for developing cancer of the cervix. Use some form of birth control to protect against unwanted pregnancy, and use condoms to give the maximum protection available against sexually transmitted diseases, but remember, nothing is foolproof! It's O.K. to abstain from having sex. You will have a lot less to worry about! In conclusion, some words from a 17-year-old who said: "I have at least 50 to 60 more years of being sexual. I'm sure I don't have to worry about doing anything now!'' Communicable Disease Programme Department of Health HEALTH HTH