NHS sex pamphlet attracts negative media attention

Details of a leaflet, produced by the Centre for HIV and Sexual Health at NHS Sheffield, were first reported by CYP Now on 2 July.

Since then, scores of newspapers and internet sites across the world have picked up on the issue, with many of the reports suggesting the pamphlet encourages sex and promotes masturbation.

Simon Blake, chief executive of sex advice charity Brook, said many media outlets have sensationalised certain aspects of the pamphlet while disregarding the wider debate.

Besides suggesting raising masturbation as a normal and healthy activity, the pamphlet makes a number of other points about the importance of engaging young people in a franker discussion about sex.

These include the argument that if children and young people know that sex should be consensual and pleasurable, it may be easier for them to identify and say no to abuse.

It also suggests that talking about the pleasurable aspects of sex can reduce a young person's feelings of difficulty and guilt around sex and relationships.

This can in turn lead to more satisfying and fulfilling relationships in general.

Blake said public debate on the issue was now shifting away from the reality of the situation.

"When I talk to young people and their parents they say they want to talk about rights as well as responsibilities and being safe from harm," he said.

"We have ended up with a public discussion that goes against what the majority of people want. What I hope happens in the wake of this is we start having a sensible discussion."

Kathy French, a sexual health nurse and member of the government's independent advisory group on sexual health and HIV, said discussing sex in broader terms is something that has support within the sector.

But she added that addressing the issue of pleasure with young people must make up part of a wider discussion on relationships and self-esteem.

"I think it's something people in the field would like to happen," she said.

"Sex education at the moment is very much couched in terms of danger, risk and things you shouldn't do.

"Talking about pleasure is not about advocating early sexual activity in young people. Some young people are telling us that sexual activity is not something they are enjoying but something they are pressured to do."

Media Mum blog discusses the issue