Preventing teenage pregnancy

Abstract

The aim of this research study is to trace current preventive sexual education delivered in Malta in relation to teenage pregnancy. Having seen some of the contingencies of teenage pregnancy, one poses the question of sexual education such as what sexual education is being delivered, to whom and by whom. This includes the education given by parents to their children or by other educators to young people with whom they come in contact. It also comprises the education imparted by the Guidance and Counselling Unit or in youth organisations; and finally the education targeted towards society at large primarily that through radios and publications. The study also discusses the onset of adolescent sexual activity, since the occurrence of pregnancy depends on the decisions adolescents make regarding sexual activity, contraceptive practices and their views of parenting at teenage. It goes on to present suggestions for improvements or new ideas to be implemented by educational institutions and by the media. Sexual education for parents is also a consideration. The research study ends with an invitation to invest in sexual education. It also gives suggestions where further study to complement this topic can be carried out.