Short messages on Relationships issues from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
You can buy condoms if you’re under 16 from pharmacies and shops, as there is no law against it. You can get condoms free from sexual health, contraceptive or genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics and some GPs.
In the UK around 70% of boys and 75% of girls have sex for the first time when they are over 16. Only you can decide whether you’re ready to have sex, and it’s OK to say no.
Your support network is your friends and family – the people who know you the best for the longest, who teach and help you. Use them wisely!
Things which help in life: friends to believe in you, family to support you, a quiet place to think and regroup yourself, a way of finding extra strength, how to deal with criticism and bounce back.
“Norfolk Says No” is a campaign running this week to raise public awareness to eliminate violence against women as part of a global movement, and the support services available.
You can get pregnant if you have sex during your period and you don’t use contraception or a condom. Having unprotected sex at any time of the month can lead to pregnancy.
Condoms can be damaged by contact with any oil-based products like lipstick, suntan lotion, moisturiser and baby oil. If you want to use lubrication make sure it is water-based (available from pharmacies).
You can get pregnant if you have sex standing up – in fact whatever position you are in when having sex. There’s no such thing as a “safe” position if you’re not using a condom or another form of contraception, and there are no “safe” places either, including the bath or shower.
A boy can get a girl pregnant the first time he or she has sex. It only takes one sperm to meet an egg, and this can happen from one instance of unprotected sex.
“Instead of seeking to be the best in the world, think about seeking to be the best for the world.” – Richard Barrett