“Sigo”, the Italian society for gynaecology and obstetrics, proposed to teach young people responsible sexual behaviour through the most successful TV programmes. According to international research, it is easier for young people to absorb messages when they are given by people with whom they identify. The main stars of comedies, reality shows or young talents.
For 37% of teenagers, four out of ten, the first time occurs with no protection. Only one out of five talks with a doctor about the reproductive system and family. Young people discover sex at 16. 17% is not worried about unpleasant surprises, like an unwanted pregnancy. More than 20% prefers interrupted coitus.
Sigo presented a teaching project called “you choose”, scegli tu, with ten rules to be followed on TV concerning sexuality. Gynaecologists said they are available to speak with those behind the scenes and TV hosts to propose behavioural models to approach sex in a safe and responsible way. Moreover Italian women are unfaithful to contraceptive methods, changing for example from the pill to condoms.
10% uses emergency contraception. Italy is ranked in one of the last positions in Europe as far as contraception is concerned, especially because people don’t want to use it (53%), don’t know the subject (38%) or misuse methods (9%). Six teenagers out of ten considered their first time satisfying and they experienced it in their partner’s house in 31% of cases, in 26% of cases in their home, in 19% in the car, in 11% outdoors and in 10% of cases at school. Only 38% of young girls postpone their first sexual intercourse because they don’t feel ready, 29% because they still haven’t met the right person and 19% because they are against sex before marriage.
As far as knowing the different aspects of sexuality, 72.9% has an insufficient sexual education, only 0.3% of adult girls know the subject, while 26.5% reaches an acceptable knowledge.
“Teenagers are more informed now compared to the past – said Valeria Dubini, vice-president of the association of hospital obstetrics and gynaecologists (Aogoi) – but in reality unawareness is still the same, just like in the previous generations. Television, with its most famous stars, could represent a turning point against the possible dangers concerning this subject”.
Translated by Chiara Nunnari from John Milton Institute
