Young people have to work through a broad range of issues as they move from childhood to adulthood. They may have to deal with changes to their bodies and their feelings and they may be thinking about having their first relationship or having sex.

Young people may also be exploring their identities in terms of their sexuality or gender identity. They may want more independence from their families, and their friends may play a more important part in their lives. Although growing up can be an exciting time, it can also be confusing and challenging.

Young people need access to comprehensive, factual information about sexuality to safely negotiate adult relationships.

The issues young people may be confronted with include:

• safer sex
• contraception
• sexually transmissible infections (STIs)
• unplanned pregnancy
• peer pressure
• cultural definitions of gender roles and sexual orientation.