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Connections Newsletter - 13 November 2009
Dear Parents and Guardians
I was interested to read the recently released results of the 4th National Survey of Australian Secondary Students, HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health. Conducted and analysed by La Trobe University’s Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society, the survey provides a valuable insight into students’ attitudes, behaviours and knowledge regarding sexual health matters such as safe sex, contraception and sexually transmissible infections (STIs). It also includes relevant findings about students’ use of alcohol and other drugs.
Nearly 3,000 Year 10 and 12 students (male and female), from across all state and territory education departments, as well as from both the Catholic and independent school systems participated in the survey, which was conducted in 2008. Although MLC students were not directly involved in the survey, results from large scale surveys such as this one help us to better understand youth culture and mores and the social milieu in which our students exist. Findings can also assist schools in effectively supporting the health and wellbeing of their students. With accurate insights into contemporary knowledge and behaviours, we are in a better position to help and guide our students to make good personal choices across all areas of their lives – both at school and beyond.
Overall, the results of the survey indicate that Australia’s young people report being in good to excellent personal health, and they are adequately informed about most of the key issues relating to sexual health, regardless of whether or not they are sexually active themselves. Pleasingly, the survey highlighted that both parents and schools are generally doing an appropriate job in discussing and presenting accurate information to teenagers about sexual health and activity.
More specifically, the survey results indicate that the majority of surveyed students have experienced some form of sexual activity, with over one quarter of Year 10 students and just over half of Year 12 students having experienced sexual intercourse – an increase since the last survey was conducted in 2002. At the same time, however, fewer students reported using no contraception the last time they had sex, with use of the birth control pill having increased since 2002. Similarly, knowledge of STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) has improved in the years since the last survey.
It is also very important to note here that a significant number of students have not experienced any kind of sexual activity and these young people need to be strongly supported in their choices. Our young people should not engage in behaviour which is inappropriate for them, simply because statistics show trends. I cannot emphasise strongly enough that such behaviours are personal decisions and that survey results should not be interpreted in the manner that “if others are doing this, I should too!” A worrying trend to emerge is the increase in the experience of unwanted sex, which for young women has risen significantly to 38% of respondents (up 10%). Reasons cited for experiencing unwanted sex included being drunk, or being pressured by a sexual partner.
The survey underscores the ongoing link between sexual activity and alcohol consumption, the incidence of which is relatively high among Australia’s youth. Twenty one percent of respondents drink alcohol either weekly or more frequently, and there has been an increase in the number of young women in Year 12 reported having had an experience of binge drinking (defined as three or more alcoholic drinks on one occasion) within the past two weeks. Almost one quarter of sexually active students reported that the last time they had sex they were either drunk or high. It seems from the survey results that as part of sex education we need to pay greater attention to the correlation between sex and alcohol, especially in the context of sexual encounters resulting from social events.
A more positive finding was that most students had sought information regarding sexual health, and that their most trusted sources of information include their mothers and their school sexual health program. Together, schools and parents are endeavouring to address conversations in an area which can be a complex, sensitive, awkward and very personal! Student wellbeing is something we value highly at MLC. Our pastoral care structures and the emphasis we place on effective communication between home and school reflect our commitment to supporting our students and helping them make choices that safeguard their happiness, health, safety and wellbeing. Sexual health is a part of this equation.
As part of our continued commitment to student wellbeing, commencing in 2010, there will be a new College Management Team position - that of Director of Student Wellbeing, responsible for the leadership and direction of MLC’s various student wellbeing programs from Years 7-12. Our Director of Student Wellbeing, Ms Lisa Gatliff will chair the Student Wellbeing Committee, ensure wellbeing goals are implemented across the College, provide leadership support for student wellbeing teams and, together with each Heads of School, establish future directions and priorities appropriate to the developmental needs of our students.
As I write this article I am very conscious that some people will find these results concerning but, it is important for all of us to understand the reality of the lives of many young people. Only when we know that reality can we put into place the relevant conversations, programs and interactions which will be valued by our students and will give them the support and knowledge to make well-informed decisions which are appropriate for them.
With best wishes,
Rosa Storelli, Principal
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