As part of the Frisky Not Risky campaign, 15-year-old Ashleigh shared her thoughts about sexual health and relationships and talked about her experience accessing support from the SHOT: Healthy Relationship Service.
Misinformation
Before talking to SHOT, I would search reputable internet sites for info on sex and relationships.
It’s hard for young people to know where to look when dealing with worries like body image because we are expected to look a certain way. But I don’t trust some sites and social media like TikTok.
More info should be available in school to prevent pregnancy and to stop people from believing myths that aren’t true.
Young people don’t have anywhere else to talk about sex and relationships with professionals. It’s too embarrassing to ask in school; they may tell our parents. But I think people should learn things earlier to help prevent them from making mistakes and bad choices.
Tackling embarrassment
I find the SHOT team easy to talk to. It’s a very useful service, and it’s good to talk. I have learnt a lot more than I have in my past lessons at school, and now do not get embarrassed asking questions.
I would recommend SHOT to all my friends. They’re easy to talk to, don’t judge, and give good information. I’ve learnt about relationships, contraception, pregnancy, peer pressure, sex and the law, keeping safe, sexual exploitation, consent, risky behaviours, and online safety. You can ask them anything and not be embarrassed.
Also, I now find it easier to talk to my mum now as she knows I have SHOT support, so she asks me how our sessions are going.
Related Information
Want more from the Frisky Not Risky campaign? Visit the campaign introduction.
Check out TheSprout’s Sexual Health information page, where you can find loads of helpful info on local and national sexual health information and support services.
If you’re sharing our posts from the Frisky Not Risky campaign on social media, remember to use the #FriskyNotRisky hashtag and tag us.