Sex infections soar in under-16s
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Independent Minds
Sexually transmitted diseases amongst children have rocketed in the past five years, according to figures released by the Government.
The number of diagnoses of sex infections amongst under-16s in England rose by 58% from 2,474 in 2003 to 3,913 in 2007.
The biggest increase was in cases of chlamydia, the most common sexually transmitted infection, which rose by 90%, with genital herpes up by 42% and genital warts by a third.
Cases of syphilis doubled from three to six.
The figures from Genito Urinary Medicine Clinics and the National Chlamydia Screening Programme were released in a Commons written answer to Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb.
The National Chlamydia Screening Programme has been phased in since April 2003 with testing in community contraceptive clinics, some further education colleges, and more recently through postal testing kits and pharmacies.
A Department of Health spokesman said: "The National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) has been rolled out throughout the NHS since 2003.
"The programme has helped us to screen an increasing number of people for chlamydia. Since 2008, all primary care trusts have been reporting to the programme, which accounts for the recent increase in reported cases."
Mr Lamb said: "This shocking increase is a damning indictment of the Government's complacency when it comes to the sexual health of our children.
"The number of youngsters contacting STIs is very disturbing. Children must be informed about the risks involved in sexual relationships and taught how to be safe.
"The Government has slashed public health spending over recent years. This short-sightedness is putting a whole generation at risk of a sexual health crisis."
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Comments
Young people need to be taught the value of intimate relationships becaue, even thought they keep getting chlamidya and ending up pregnant, they don't seem to understand.
And no worries if they miss the next period:- just get down to the clinic.
And if they pick up a 'dose', down to the special clinic.
Collosal pressure from the media, movies and peers to engage in sex at an early age - typical "cant be a man cos you dont smoke the same cigarette as me" peer compliance situation.
Massive pressure on youngsters to engage in sex to prove they are participating and fully engaged with the world!
Falling in love takes a back seat. Casual sex is the easy option and delivers instant gratification but love is the expensive option and gets you both gratification and longer term happiness. Modernity promotes sex over love and many youngsters are too immature, too impatient to pause for reflection on such matters.
Small group of the population will take the option of clocking up the max number of sexual partners during their lifetime (they, approx 12% of the population, carry the 'slut' gene) and they will try make the rest feel like they are loosing out on life, whilst the majority will look for love and stability after experimenting with casual sex. Who will be the fortunate ones? The answer depends on whether you belong to the slut group or the normal group! A bit of an over simplification, but I am sure you get the message.
Parents need to advise and steer children towards the best option for their long term happiness (unlike the guy, in last weeks news, who took his 14 year old son to get laid with a hooker).
For those who are believers, how will these people answer God on your life decisions and actions, when clear guidance has been given to all mankind on how to conduct your life? It was peer pressure is not going to go down too well as an answer, is it!