Schooled in sex

The survey examines five key areas of sexuality in youth including: sexual behaviour, sexual education, relationships, sexuality and sexual health.

“The Student Village report indicated that with 76% of South African students sexually active, the average age of first sexual experience is between 14 and 18 years. Further to this, 55% of students have had one or more sexual partners. This, together with the fact that over 70% of the students surveyed stated that they are only using condoms to avoid pregnancy and not HIV/Aids, demonstrates a serious lack of education around responsible sexual behaviour,” says Dorothy Black, sex expert and journalist.

STDs and HIV came out low on the sexual health priority list, with the survey finding that while 76% of students have been HIV tested, and 46% tested for STDs, these students do not get tested regularly.

Condoms. Image courtesy: Stock.xchnge

“It is evident from these results that the South African student population do not understand that the STD result is only as valid, as of the date on the paper,” states Ronen Aires, CEO of Student Village.

“The impact of irresponsible sexual behaviour can be severe, impacting not only their health and well-being but could also impact their finances, ability to work and study, and their emotional stability – all critical to becoming a fully functional adult.”

The survey also revealed that it is parents, schools, peers and media/porn that inform the youth on sex.

“While parents and schools are informing with fear around the consequences related to pregnancy and STDs, media, porn and peers are driving the fantasy agenda – keeping sex one-dimensional, stereotyped and non-consequential,” says Black.

There is a massive discrepancy between how the youth are being educated around sex within their immediate environments, causing a disillusioned view of healthy sexual behaviour and responsible, safe sex.

“What is frightening is that the survey raised some key issues pertaining to the perceived ‘duty’ women have towards men and the ownership men think they have over women’s bodies,” adds Black.

“While only 22% of women admitted to experiencing sexual assault, many students didn’t perceive the popular definition of rape as rape. To the students who participated, rape is perceived as a criminal act of extreme physical brutality conducted by a stranger only.

“I am sure if the definition of rape was understood by youth and accepted amongst them as the societal standard – this statistic would be much, much higher. Indicative again of a lack of proper sexual education,” states Aires.