Teenage Sexuality (Sociology)

Question 1

Reasons why sexuality increased among teenagers

Answer 1

• Increasingly sexualised society
• More access to information regarding sexual health/disease transmission/contraception was not keeping up with exposure
• Inadequate Sex Education curriculums
• Adolescence is a period of risk taking and autonomy development
• Social and cultural norms (sexual activity and unprotected sex normalised under certain demographics/social groups)
• Peer pressure

-Increased alcohol and recreational drug use

• Loss of traditional family structures

Question 2

What are the aims of public health

Answer 2

• Prevent ill health
• Promoting and protecting health
• Prolonging life

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Question 3

Why might teen pregnancy be a problem?

Answer 3

• Can begin a cycle of social disadvantage for both mother and child
• The children of teen mothers are more likely to become teen mothers themselves
• Have a lower level of educational attainment and reduced economic activity in later life
• Poorer mental health than other mothers (2x rate of post natal depression than older mums)
• Increased medical risks during pregnancy and poorer birth outcomes for babies (increased infant mortality rate)

BUT consider if these adverse outcomes are a result of teenage pregnancy themselves or a natural product of the economic/social/environmental circumstances that shape the lives of teenagers?

Question 4

What was the Public Policy Response to teenage pregnancy?

Answer 4

• Establishment of Teenage Pregnancy Unit by Labour Govt.
• Aimed to promote sexual responsibility amongst teenagers
• PSHE introduced into the curriculum
• Health visitor role bridging gap between social work, nursing teams, and public health
• Teenage pregnancy recognised as being influenced by social economic and educational factors rather than just a health issue.
• Sure start programme founded in late 90’s. Aimed to give children best possible start in life. Reduce social deprivation, support teenage parents in education and later engagement in employment, with aim of reducing cycle of social exclusion.