Adolescent development week 10
By the end of this topic, you will be able to:
Explain the developmental changes and social factors that influence the formation of romantic relationships and sexual identity during adolescence.
Analyse the roles of culture, media, technology, and peer networks in shaping adolescent experiences of love, sexuality, and sexual decision-making.
Identify safe and unsafe sexual practices among adolescents and describe the short- and long-term consequences associated with these behaviours.
Discuss the unique challenges and protective factors relevant to sexual minority adolescents, including stigma, discrimination, and support systems.
Evaluate the effectiveness of various sex education approaches in meeting the developmental and informational needs of diverse adolescent populations.
10.1 | Love & Intimacy
Falling in Love: Developmental Shifts in Adolescent Intimacy
Adolescence is a time of rapid biological, cognitive, emotional, and social change. A key developmental milestone is the emergence of romantic relationships, which typically begin with admiration or infatuation and grow into experiences involving:
Emotional closeness
Self-disclosure
Mutual support (Collins, 2003)
These early relationships are distinct from childhood friendships and serve several important developmental functions:
Exploration of identity, gender roles, and emotional regulation
Opportunities to learn interpersonal skills, empathy, and vulnerability
Intense emotional experiences linked to neurological immaturity—due to a rapidly developing limbic system and still-maturing prefrontal cortex (Steinberg, 2008)
Though adults may view adolescent romance as fleeting, adolescents often describe these relationships as deeply meaningful. Experiences such as heartbreak, jealousy, and longing are often as intense as those felt in adulthood (Collins et al., 2009), laying the groundwork for future relational maturity.
Culture and the Social Ecology of Love
Romantic experiences during adolescence are strongly shaped by cultural values, family expectations, and societal norms. Cultural scripts influence:
When dating is considered appropriate
What behaviours are accepted in romantic relationships
How love should be expressed
Collectivist cultures often discourage adolescent romance, particularly for girls, placing emphasis on family approval and future planning. In contrast, individualistic cultures like Australia and the U.S. promote earlier involvement in romantic relationships and prioritise autonomy in partner selection.
In multicultural Australia:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents may face traditional expectations surrounding kinship and community roles in romantic decisions (Blake et al., 2022)
Migrant and refugee adolescents may experience conflict between heritage values and Western norms, leading to confusion or tension over autonomy and dating
Other intersecting factors such as gender roles, socioeconomic background, and religious beliefs also shape how adolescents experience and express romantic love—whether it's seen as spontaneous and passionate or tied to structured goals like marriage.
Love in the Digital Age: Technology and Adolescent Intimacy
Digital technology has transformed how adolescents initiate, maintain, and experience romantic relationships. Social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok facilitate constant connection but also introduce challenges, including:
Performance pressure to display relationships online
Miscommunication and cyber jealousy
Increased visibility of breakups and conflict (Uhls et al., 2017)
Adolescents must also navigate complex issues of boundaries and consent—especially regarding sexting, which can be:
A form of consensual digital intimacy
A risk for image-based abuse and legal consequences, particularly if shared without consent (Lim et al., 2016)
Technology has also enabled:
Online dating and hookup apps, which expose adolescents to adult norms and accelerate relationship development
These platforms can outpace emotional readiness, making digital literacy and emotional intelligence essential tools for adolescents in managing modern romantic life.
Media, Gender Norms, and Romantic Expectations
Mainstream media—including TV shows, music, and social media—profoundly influences adolescents’ beliefs about love. Romantic media often promotes idealised and stereotypical scripts, such as:
Boys should pursue sex for pleasure
Girls should seek emotional connection and love (Ward & Friedman, 2006; Sakaluk et al., 2014)
These gendered sexual scripts can:
Limit emotional expression and autonomy
Promote unrealistic expectations about romance
Influence behaviour, including early sexual initiation and casual attitudes toward relationships (Doornwaard et al., 2015)
Adolescents who identify closely with media characters are more likely to adopt similar beliefs. In particular:
Girls may internalise self-worth as linked to desirability
Boys may feel pressure to act aggressively or remain emotionally detached
In the Australian context, these narratives are reinforced by:
Pop culture
Advertising
Influencer culture
While many adolescents are capable of critical engagement with media, the sheer volume of exposure makes these messages hard to ignore.
Media literacy education and open discussion about relationships can help:
Challenge harmful stereotypes
Promote respectful, realistic expectations for love and intimacy
Key Concepts/Definitions
Adolescent romantic relationships begin with infatuation or admiration and evolve into emotional intimacy, self-disclosure, and mutual support as adolescents mature.
Developmental functions of romance include identity exploration, emotional regulation, and the development of interpersonal skills such as empathy and vulnerability.
Neurological immaturity during adolescence, particularly the imbalance between the limbic system and prefrontal cortex, contributes to intense emotional experiences and impulsive decision-making in romantic contexts.
Cultural scripts influence how adolescents perceive and engage in romantic relationships, shaping norms around dating behaviour, emotional expression, and parental involvement.
Cultural diversity in Australia creates complex dynamics for adolescents navigating romantic relationships, especially for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, migrant, or refugee youth balancing different cultural expectations.
Digital technology has transformed adolescent intimacy by enabling constant connection but also introducing challenges such as cyber jealousy, public relationship pressures, and issues around consent and privacy.
Sexting is a common but controversial practice among adolescents, shaped by peer norms and media influence, and carries both consensual and harmful potential outcomes.
Online platforms and dating apps are increasingly used by older adolescents, raising concerns about premature exposure to adult relationship norms and emotional risks.
Media portrayals of romance often reinforce gendered sexual scripts and unrealistic expectations, influencing how adolescents think about love, sex, and relationship roles.
Media literacy and critical discussion about relationships can help adolescents resist harmful stereotypes and develop healthier, more equitable views on love and intimacy.
10.2 | Sexuality & Sexual Identity
Understanding Sexuality and Its Development in Adolescence
Sexuality is a multidimensional aspect of human development that includes:
Sexual feelings, behaviours, desires, values, roles, and relationships
Intersections with biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors
(Crooks & Baur, 2021)
In adolescence, sexuality becomes more prominent due to:
The onset of puberty
Increased cognitive and emotional capacity to reflect on desire, intimacy, and relational needs
Importantly, sexuality is not synonymous with sexual activity. Adolescents may develop a sexual identity, experience attraction, or engage in fantasies long before initiating sexual behaviour.
As part of identity development, adolescents begin to integrate sexuality into their self-concept. Influences include:
Hormonal changes and secondary sexual characteristics (Santrock, 2019)
Abstract thinking, allowing consideration of emotional, moral, and social implications
Cultural and peer influences, shaping perceptions of what is acceptable or desirable
The developmental course is highly individual:
Some adolescents may explore sexual behaviour early
Others may delay until they feel emotionally and cognitively ready
Early sexual initiation—particularly when unaccompanied by knowledge or readiness—is linked to increased risk of:
Unprotected sex
STIs
Regret and emotional distress (Temple-Smith et al., 2022)
In contrast, delayed sexual initiation is associated with:
Better emotional adjustment
More positive relational outcomes
Sexual Identity Formation and Diversity
Sexual identity refers to how people define and understand their sexual orientation and preferences—including how they:
Label themselves
Experience and make sense of their attractions (Levine et al., 2021)
While sexual orientation involves romantic or sexual attraction, sexual identity is the self-reflective and social expression of this orientation.
Adolescence is often the period of:
Exploration, questioning, and introspection
Consolidation of a stable identity—though this may continue into adulthood (Russell & Fish, 2019)
For some, identity development is straightforward—especially when heterosexuality aligns with social norms. For others, especially sexual minority youth (e.g., gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, asexual), this process may involve:
Increased complexity
Periods of uncertainty
Exposure to stress or stigma
Common Sexual Identities
Heterosexual: attraction to individuals of the opposite gender
Homosexual: attraction to the same gender (also gay/lesbian)
Bisexual: attraction to more than one gender
Pansexual: attraction regardless of gender identity
Asexual: little or no sexual attraction
Adolescents may explore identity privately or publicly, and often manage concerns around:
Disclosure
Social judgment
Affirming and understanding one’s sexual identity is linked to:
Higher self-esteem
Better emotional wellbeing
Greater identity coherence (Lucassen et al., 2017)
Influences and Challenges: Stigma, Culture, and Social Context
Sexual identity development is shaped by:
Family beliefs and communication
Peer norms and interactions
Education systems and media representation
Cultural and religious values
Family
Supportive parenting is linked to:
Greater self-esteem
Reduced risky behaviour
Earlier help-seeking (Paceley et al., 2020)
Rejecting or uncomfortable parenting can result in:
Secrecy and shame
Psychological distress
Peers
Peer validation can reinforce identity development
Rejection or bullying, particularly for LGBTQIA+ youth, increases risk of:
Anxiety and depression
School disengagement (Russell & Fish, 2016)
Adolescents may feel pressure to:
Conform to heterosexual norms
Engage in sexual behaviour before they feel ready
Cultural and Religious Influences
In some cultures, sexuality is taboo or private
In others, it may be openly discussed or celebrated
In Australia:
Societal acceptance of LGBTQIA+ youth has improved, but:
Rural areas and conservative communities may still stigmatise non-heterosexual identities (Hill et al., 2021)
Stigma and discrimination are especially harmful during adolescence:
75% of LGBTQIA+ adolescents in Australia have experienced discrimination
Over 60% report high psychological distress (Hill et al., 2021)
This highlights the urgent need for environments that are:
Affirming of sexual diversity
Supportive of psychological safety
Supporting Adolescents with Diverse Sexual Identities: Protective Factors and Wellbeing
Many adolescents with diverse sexual identities thrive when the following protective factors are in place:
Affirming relationships with family, peers, and mentors
Inclusive school environments, including:
Anti-bullying policies
LGBTQIA+ representation in curricula
Access to support groups and gender-neutral facilities
Access to mental health services that are trained in and affirm sexual diversity
Comprehensive, inclusive sex education covering:
Safe sex
Consent
Diversity
Emotional readiness
Healthy relationships
Effective Programs
Safe Schools and Respectful Relationships in Australia have been shown to:
Increase feelings of belonging
Decrease homophobic language
Promote empathy (Mitchell et al., 2014)
Inclusion is not just about visibility—it requires:
Resources
Supportive relationships
Affirming environments
When sexual minority adolescents are supported, they experience equal or better outcomes in academic performance, relationships, and emotional regulation compared to their heterosexual peers.
A Holistic Approach to Adolescent Sexuality
Understanding sexuality in adolescence means recognising that development is shaped by:
Biological changes
Cognitive growth
Social and cultural context
A holistic, inclusive approach can:
Reduce harm
Promote authentic identity formation
Support the thriving of all adolescents—not just those in sexual minorities, but anyone navigating complex questions of intimacy, identity, and belonging.
Key Concepts/Definitions
Sexuality is a multidimensional construct involving sexual behaviour, feelings, desires, values, and relationships, and it evolves across the lifespan.
Adolescent sexual development includes the integration of romantic and sexual attractions into identity, influenced by physical changes, cognitive maturation, and social experiences.
Sexual identity refers to how individuals label and understand their sexual orientation and preferences, often emerging and consolidating during adolescence.
Sexual orientation describes patterns of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction and includes identities such as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, and asexual.
Sexual identity development can be fluid and is shaped by self-reflection, interpersonal experiences, and the alignment (or misalignment) with societal expectations.
Stigma and discrimination are major barriers to healthy sexual identity development and are linked to higher psychological distress, particularly among LGBTQIA+ adolescents.
Family support and open communication are protective factors that contribute to higher self-esteem and reduced risky sexual behaviour in adolescents.
Peer relationships strongly influence adolescents' experiences of sexuality, with acceptance promoting wellbeing and rejection increasing mental health risks.
Cultural and religious norms shape attitudes toward sexuality, and adolescents in conservative or rural contexts may face additional challenges in expressing diverse identities.
Inclusive environments—such as affirming schools, access to support services, and comprehensive sex education—promote resilience and positive outcomes for sexual minority adolescents.
10.3 | Masturbation & Pornography
Masturbation and Adolescent Development
Masturbation is often one of the earliest forms of sexual expression during adolescence and plays a meaningful role in:
Sexual self-awareness and exploration
Autonomy and privacy in sexual development
Regulating sexual arousal in a safe, solitary context
As a private behaviour, masturbation allows adolescents to engage with their sexuality without the social complexities of partner interactions. Research shows it is not harmful and is, in fact, linked to:
Improved sexual adjustment
More positive attitudes toward sexuality, especially when it is discussed without shame (Hyde & DeLamater, 2014; Robbins et al., 2012)
Masturbation also supports broader developmental goals such as body acceptance, privacy, and autonomy—all key elements of adolescent growth.
Gender Differences in Practice and Perception
Despite being common, significant gender differences persist in both rates and social perceptions:
Most adolescent boys begin masturbating before age 13, with over 90% having done so by age 19
Around 75% of adolescent girls report masturbating by early adulthood (Herbenick et al., 2010)
These disparities are shaped by cultural messaging:
Male masturbation is often normalised or joked about
Female masturbation remains stigmatized, leading to shame or underreporting
This highlights the need for inclusive, gender-sensitive sex education that validates masturbation as a normal and healthy part of development for all adolescents.
Cultural Perspectives on Masturbation
Cultural and religious beliefs heavily influence adolescents’ experiences and understandings of masturbation.
In conservative or religious communities, masturbation may be framed as morally wrong or physically harmful, contributing to:
Feelings of guilt
Anxiety during private exploration
Girls in particular may receive messages suggesting that female sexuality should be hidden or suppressed
In contrast, more permissive societies increasingly frame masturbation as:
A healthy and private aspect of sexual wellbeing
A topic suitable for discussion in comprehensive sex education
However, even in liberal societies like Australia, many adolescents receive little guidance. This lack of education leaves room for confusion, misinformation, or feelings of embarrassment. To counter this:
Sex education should adopt culturally sensitive and inclusive approaches
Masturbation should be normalised and discussed in a way that supports comfort with one’s body and positive sexual development
Pornography in the Digital Age
With digital access at an all-time high, many adolescents encounter pornography:
Accidentally or through curiosity
Regularly, particularly among boys
Often, pornography becomes a default form of sex education when discussions at school or home are lacking.
However, the content adolescents access typically portrays:
Unrealistic and performance-driven sex
Gendered sexual scripts that distort expectations around intimacy, consent, and pleasure
Developmental Impacts
The effects of pornography on adolescents are mixed and depend on context:
Some adolescents use it to explore preferences or satisfy curiosity, which can support self-concept
Others report:
Increased sexual permissiveness
Earlier sexual initiation
Dissatisfaction with real-life experiences (Carroll et al., 2008)
Girls, in particular, often report discomfort with:
Portrayals of women as objects
Unequal power dynamics
Without critical guidance, adolescents may internalise problematic or misleading sexual norms that reinforce gender stereotypes and impair relational understanding.
Education, Ethics, and Supporting Healthy Development
Despite how common masturbation and pornography use are among adolescents, sex education rarely addresses them adequately. When ignored or treated as taboo adolescents may develop shame, misunderstandings, or harmful beliefs.
What Effective Education Should Include:
Normalisation of masturbation as a safe and healthy part of sexual development
Critical discussion of pornography:
Framing it as entertainment, not education
Highlighting its limitations in representing real-life intimacy
Addressing Legal and Ethical Concerns
Adolescents’ access to explicit content often raises legal and ethical questions, especially when:
Viewing prohibited material underage
Sharing or receiving sexts, which may carry legal risks even when consensual
A harm-reduction approach is recommended. This involves:
Teaching digital literacy
Encouraging empathetic, developmentally appropriate conversations
Promoting open communication and informed decision-making
Key Concepts/Definitions
Masturbation is a common and healthy form of sexual expression during adolescence that supports sexual self-awareness, body acceptance, and autonomy.
Gender differences in masturbation reveal that boys tend to report higher rates and earlier initiation than girls, largely due to social stigma and cultural norms.
Sex education on masturbation should be inclusive and gender-sensitive to reduce shame and promote positive sexual attitudes among all adolescents.
Cultural beliefs about masturbation vary widely, with some viewing it as immoral or harmful, which can create guilt or anxiety, particularly in more conservative or religious contexts.
Permissive cultures are more likely to frame masturbation as a normal part of adolescent development, though silence on the topic still persists in many settings.
Adolescent pornography use is widespread, particularly among boys, and often fills gaps left by inadequate sex education.
Pornography's portrayal of sex can create unrealistic expectations about consent, intimacy, and gender roles, potentially distorting adolescents' beliefs and behaviours.
Gendered concerns about pornography include discomfort among girls regarding objectification and power imbalances frequently depicted in explicit content.
Comprehensive sex education should include open discussions of masturbation and pornography to provide accurate information and support healthy sexual development.
A harm-reduction approach that emphasises digital literacy, empathy, and informed decision-making is more effective than punitive responses to adolescent sexual behaviour.
10.4 | Trends in Sexual Activity & Attitudes Toward Sex
Trends in Sexual Activity & Attitudes Toward Sex
Recent data from Australia suggest that sexual activity among adolescents has remained stable, though there are notable shifts in patterns and attitudes.
According to the 7th National Survey of Secondary Students and Sexual Health (SSASH, 2021):
47% of 16–18-year-olds reported having had sexual intercourse
Down slightly from 50% in 2018 and 59% in 2008
Median age of first intercourse remains around 16
Many adolescents engage in other sexual behaviours:
Genital touching (65%)
Oral sex (54%)
There’s a broadening of sexual experiences, with more adolescents engaging in multiple types of sexual activity prior to intercourse
Attitudes Toward Safe Sex
There is a general trend toward responsible attitudes, though behavioural consistency is lacking:
82% of adolescents agree that condoms should always be used during casual sex
Yet only 55% of sexually active students reported always using condoms in the past year
Sexual health education is broadly available and positively received:
82% reported receiving school-based sex education
However, many want more practical and inclusive information, especially about:
Consent
Relationships
LGBTQIA+ experiences
This highlights a gap between knowledge and behaviour—where adolescents understand safe sex principles but do not always apply them consistently.
Gender Differences and Social Patterns
Findings from SSASH (2021) and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW, 2023) reveal gendered patterns in sexual activity and attitudes:
Boys were slightly more likely than girls to report having had sexual intercourse
Girls expressed greater concern about:
Unintended pregnancy
STIs
Boys reported more casual sexual experiences
Girls were more likely to link sex to emotional connection and relationships
These patterns reflect enduring gendered sexual scripts that continue to shape how adolescents interpret and engage in sexual experiences.
Stigma, Misinformation, and Marginalisation
Despite progress in sexual health education, stigma and misinformation remain key barriers, particularly for adolescents from LGBTQIA+ and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
Many adolescents still report shame or embarrassment when talking about sex
Queer and questioning youth often feel that school-based education doesn’t address their needs
Key gaps persist in areas such as:
Consent
Contraceptive options
Emotional aspects of sexual relationships
Without open, inclusive guidance, some young people turn to:
Peers
Pornography
Social media
While accessible, these sources can promote unrealistic expectations or reinforce harmful stereotypes about gender, consent, and relationships.
The Importance of Inclusive, Empowering Education
These findings underscore the need for sex education that is:
Inclusive of all gender identities and sexual orientations
Accurate and practical in its treatment of sexual health
Culturally responsive, especially for marginalised groups
A strong program should:
Address gendered pressures and emotional readiness
Challenge stigma and misinformation
Foster sexual health literacy and respectful relationships
When educators and caregivers support adolescents in this way, it:
Reduces risk
Promotes informed, values-based choices
Enhances wellbeing and identity development, especially for students facing intersecting forms of marginalisation
For many adolescents, this kind of empathetic, affirming education can be a transformative force in their sexual development and overall sense of self.
Key Concepts/Definitions
Sexual activity trends among Australian adolescents have remained stable, with 47% of 16–18-year-olds reporting sexual intercourse, a slight decline from previous years.
Sexual behaviours extend beyond intercourse, with many adolescents engaging in oral sex and genital touching before becoming sexually active.
Contraceptive attitudes are generally positive, with most adolescents supporting condom use during casual sex, though actual use is inconsistent.
Sexual health education is widely received but often lacks inclusive, practical content on consent, relationships, and LGBTQIA+ experiences.
Gender differences in sexual behaviour persist, with boys more likely to report casual sex and girls more concerned about sexual risks and emotional connection.
Gendered sexual scripts continue to shape adolescents’ understanding of sex, reinforcing stereotypes around male desire and female emotionality.
Stigma and embarrassment remain common in discussions about sex, particularly among LGBTQIA+ and culturally diverse youth.
Misinformation sources such as peers, pornography, and social media often fill gaps left by inadequate or exclusionary sex education.
Inclusive sex education is critical for addressing diverse experiences, correcting myths, and promoting sexual health literacy.
Empowerment through education involves fostering respectful relationships and supporting informed, values-based decision-making for all adolescents.
10.5 | Sexual Activity & (Un)Safe Sex Practices
Influences on Adolescent Sexual Activity
Adolescent sexual activity is shaped by a broad set of psychosocial, cultural, and environmental factors.
Peer Influence
Peers play a central role in shaping adolescent behaviour:
Adolescents are more likely to initiate sexual activity if they believe their peers are sexually active or if they experience direct encouragement (Collins et al., 2004)
Peer influence operates through:
Modelling and reinforcement
Internalisation of perceived social norms
Parental Influence
Family dynamics significantly impact adolescent sexual behaviour:
Open communication and supportive but permissive parenting are linked to:
Later sexual debut
Higher rates of contraceptive use (de Vries et al., 2009)
Conversely:
Authoritarian parenting, lack of supervision, or silence around sex may contribute to earlier or riskier sexual activity
Family structure also matters:
Adolescents from single-parent or blended families often report earlier sexual initiation, possibly due to reduced oversight or disrupted communication
Media Influence
Media consumption shapes adolescent sexual expectations and behaviours:
Exposure to sexual content in music, film, and social media is associated with:
Greater acceptance of casual sex
Earlier sexual initiation (Brown & L’Engle, 2009)
Pornography and influencer culture can promote:
Unrealistic standards
Riskier sexual behaviours if not countered by critical education
Sociocultural and Economic Factors
Cultural and economic contexts intersect with individual experience:
Cultural norms around virginity, gender roles, and relationships affect timing and meaning of sexual activity
Conservative cultures may discourage sexual activity until marriage; others may support earlier exploration
Socioeconomic disadvantage is linked to:
Earlier sexual activity
Lower contraceptive use, due in part to limited access to sexual health education and services (AIHW, 2023)
Safe and Unsafe Sex Practices in Adolescence
Many adolescents face barriers to practising safe sex, including:
Limited access to contraception
Misinformation
Stigma around seeking sexual health services
According to the 2021 SSASH survey (Lim et al., 2022):
Only 55% of sexually active adolescents used a condom the last time they had sex
This is down from 66% in 2018, signalling a worrying decline
Consequences of Unsafe Sex
STIs and unplanned pregnancy remain significant risks:
Chlamydia is the most common STI in Australians aged 15–24, particularly affecting young women (AIHW, 2023)
STIs are often asymptomatic, going untreated and increasing long-term risks
Teen pregnancy rates have dropped in Australia—from 25 per 1,000 in the 1990s to around 8 per 1,000 today—but challenges persist:
Teen mothers are more likely to:
Leave school early
Face employment difficulties
Experience stigma, particularly in conservative communities
Gender Dynamics in Safe Sex
Gendered expectations often undermine sexual agency:
Girls may feel pressured to be sexually passive, reducing their ability to advocate for condom use or contraception (Tolman, 2002)
Boys may be encouraged to seek sexual experience, without equal emphasis on responsibility or consent
These dynamics can interfere with mutual decision-making and protection.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Risk Factors
Adolescents facing mental health challenges or substance use are more likely to engage in:
Risky sexual behaviours
Inconsistent contraception use (Shrier et al., 2001)
Vulnerable groups—such as youth in out-of-home care or with trauma histories—are at particular risk and require targeted support.
Digital Influence
Technology presents both opportunities and risks:
Adolescents can access sexual health information, but may also encounter:
Misinformation
Unrealistic portrayals of sex (especially via pornography)
This can distort views on consent, pleasure, and protection
Effective Sex Education for Adolescents
Sex education plays a vital role in promoting:
Healthy sexual development
Informed decision-making
Risk reduction
What Works
According to UNESCO (2018), effective sex education is:
Comprehensive, covering both physical and emotional aspects
Age-appropriate, adapted to adolescents’ cognitive and emotional maturity
Inclusive, acknowledging gender diversity and varying sexual identities
Such programs are linked to:
Delayed sexual initiation
Increased contraceptive use
Improved communication skills, particularly around consent and relationships
Australian Context
In Australia, sex education remains inconsistent across states and schools:
The 2021 SSASH survey found that many students:
Felt their sex education was inadequate
Wanted more focus on:
Consent
Pleasure
Diverse relationships
Gender equality
Navigating sex in a digital world
Adolescents are increasingly calling for a holistic approach—one that goes beyond biological facts to address the relational, emotional, and ethical dimensions of sexuality.
Key Concepts/Definitions
Peer influence strongly shapes adolescent sexual behaviour, with perceived peer norms and modelling increasing the likelihood of sexual initiation.
Parental communication about sex and relationships is linked to safer sexual practices and delayed sexual activity, while lack of communication can increase risk.
Media exposure to sexual content—including through social media and pornography—can shape adolescents’ attitudes, expectations, and behaviours around sex.
Cultural and socioeconomic factors influence sexual norms and access to sexual health resources, affecting when and how adolescents engage in sexual activity.
Contraceptive use among adolescents is inconsistent, with a decline in condom use reported between 2018 and 2021, raising concerns about STI and pregnancy risk.
STIs and unplanned pregnancy remain significant risks, particularly for adolescents who engage in unprotected sex or lack access to testing and healthcare.
Gender dynamics affect safe sex practices, with girls often facing social pressure that limits their agency in negotiating contraception or discussing consent.
Mental health issues such as depression and substance use are associated with higher rates of risky sexual behaviour, highlighting the need for integrated support.
Digital misinformation about sex is common, underscoring the need for media literacy and critical thinking skills in sex education.
Comprehensive sex education that is inclusive, age-appropriate, and addresses consent, pleasure, and relationships is more effective than abstinence-only approaches.