New research shows a third of 17 year olds have had sex, with nearly 25% regretting their first time.
Parents should be having lots of little chats with their children about sex, instead of one big talk, according to a midlands psychotherapist.
New research from the ESRI and the HSE has found a third of 17 year olds in Ireland have had sex.
The survey shows nearly 90 per cent of young people reported using contraception when first having sex.
The new study analyses how young people receive information on sex and relationships and their sexual behaviours.
It found that a third of 17 year olds have had sex with almost 90 percent using contraception.
Nearly a quarter of young people regretted their first time, rising to 31 percent of young women.
Nearly a quarter of boys and 20% of girls said the main source of information about sex was internet, TV, films or books.
The research also finds that four in ten 17 year-olds have not spoken to their parents about sex and relationships and that young people who had better-quality relationships with their parents were more likely to talk to them about sex and relationships.
Young people who had discussed sex and relationships with their parents at age 13 were significantly more likely to have used contraception.
Birr psychotherapist Stella O'Malley says communication is key:
Disturbance At Site Earmarked As Housing For Asylum Seekers Widely Condemned.
Dementia Conference Coming To The Midlands Next Month
Midlands Student Wins Two Awards For Research On Energy Crisis
Midlands Disabilities Day Service Wins Travel School Of The Year In The Region
New Funding Good Opportunity To Rebuild Midlands Sports Facility
Midlands Local Authority To Release Plan To Tackle Noise Pollution
Over 1,000 Marriages In The Midlands In 2023
Offaly €150k Scratch Winner Is A Repeat Winner
Fourth Consecutive Decrease In Midlands Homelessness
Emergency Services At Scene Of Westmeath Crash
Noah Kahan, Calvin Harris And Kylie To Headline Electric Picnic 2024
Offaly's €550k Just Transition Funding 'A Slap In The Face' - Fianna Fáil
Nine Finalist Spot For The Midlands In Digital Town Awards
Substantial Amount Of Cash And Drugs Seized In Laois To Be Sent For Examination
Concerns Around Traffic Noise Pollution Underlined In Offaly Noise Action Plan
€18k Made Available To Fund Midlands Age And Opportunity Programme
Housing Minister Predicts Falling Midlands Homelessness
€200,000 In Cash And Substantial Amount Of Drugs Seized In Laois
Massive Laois Operation Leads To Multiple Arrests In Connection With Stolen Vehicles
Over 300 New Dwellings Completed In The Midlands This Year