Why we must be honest about sex

AS a parent of teenage children I would like to congratulate Rachel Moore for writing a sensible and balanced article on talking to young people about relationships and sex.

AS a parent of teenage children I would like to congratulate Rachel Moore for writing a sensible and balanced article on talking to young people about relationships and sex. (July 17).

Too often our newspapers are full of articles sensationalising the issue: demonising young people for their sexual behaviour and criticising parents and professionals who try to give them the information they need to stay safe and healthy.

Ms Moore's article highlights what many other countries have already found out - that talking to children from an early age about sex and relationships is more likely to lead to them make sensible and mature choices about their bodies.

Our reluctance to talk openly is one of the reasons why the UK has one of the highest rates of unplanned teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections in the western world.

So well done Ms Moore for showing that talking about sex helps to overcome ignorance and embarrassment, leading to happier and healthier relationships in adult life.

ALISON ALDER

Blackheath Road

Wenhaston

This wins our Letter of the Week and the writer will receive a bouquet courtesy of Sansom's Florists.