Fielding questions about sex from your child or teen can be tricky and embarrassing. Once you get over the discomfort, having honest chats about sex has lots of benefits for your child or teenager. Research shows that they’re more likely to have a happy, healthy sex life and stay safe while they do it. This means they’re also less likely to catch a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

We’re here to support you, and to help your child learn about healthy sexual relationships.

If your child or teen has started asking questions about sex, they’re ready for answers. It is never too early to start talking about it. Chatting about sex and relationships will help them feel more confident about their sexual wellbeing as they grow up.

Talking to children and teenagers about sex will not mean they take risks. In fact, the stats show quite the opposite. Teenagers tend to wait longer before their first time if their parents are open with them about sex. 

It’s normal to feel awkward talking to your child about sex. Telling them that you feel that way will help to break the ice. This way, they will learn to trust you and know it’s OK if they feel the same way.

You can also use everyday situations or TV programmes to trigger a chat. Someone is always falling in and out of love on a reality show. 

Do not just give your child or teenager a one-off talk. Build up so you’re having regular chats. This can help your child feel that sex is a normal part of life. 

Use books or online resources to help you. We recommend the Family Planning Association’s range of parenting products.

If your teenager needs to visit one of our sexual health clinics or access any sexual health services, you could offer to come with them. This way, they know they have your support, even if they decide to go alone.

You can also give them details of our free condom service, or order condoms for them. It’s good for them to feel prepared, even if they’re not having sex yet.

Our site also has lots of information on things like:

•    sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
•    sex and relationships
•    being LGBT+

The age at which people can legally consent to sexual activity (the age of consent) is 16 in the UK. However, children aged between 13 and 15 can still get confidential access to free contraception and other sexual health services including abortions. 

When young people visit us, we always talk to them first to make sure they’re safe and happy in their decision to have sex. Sometimes, we need to involve another member of the team. This only happens if we’re concerned about their safety or welfare, or about the safety and welfare of a young person they mention. Before we talk to another professional, we’ll always discuss it with your child first and offer them support.

If a child is 12 or under and they tell us they’ve had sex, we will need to tell another professional. At this age, they cannot by law consent to any sexual activity. They need someone to support them and look into the situation. This is so we can help protect them, not because they're in trouble.