Resources: Talking point - Will sexual health advertising work?

By PJ White, Wednesday 22 November 2006

The Government is spending 4m advising young people to pull on condoms when they are on the pull. It wants to reduce the rise in sexually transmitted infections. Kick-start a discussion on sexually transmitted advertising.

The new television, online and magazine adverts show couples getting to know each other better. The name of a sexually transmitted infection such as syphilis or chlamydia is displayed on their clothing or jewellery.

This highlights the reality that these infections are not easy to spot, says the health department. Invite young people's thoughts. What messages do the adverts send to them?

The radio adverts will focus on the physical consequences of catching a sexually transmitted infection. What do young people imagine they will say? Talk about what they already know about symptoms and risks.

The aim of the campaign is to make carrying and using a condom among 18- to 24-year-olds as familiar as carrying a mobile phone, lipstick or putting on a seat belt. So says health minister Caroline Flint. Do young people think this approach will succeed?

Only 4m has been committed to this advertising campaign, though the head of the National Aids Trust says the Government plans to spend 50m on sexual health campaigns over three years. What would young people spend the rest on?

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