Contraception Education Workshops

Contraception education workshops for pre-teen and teenaged young people is the responsibility of everyone; parents, teachers, health professionals and policy makers. As children approach puberty, their interest in their own sexuality will naturally increase and many children are thinking about – and even engaging in – sexual activity earlier than their parents might think.

It is important to be aware of the dangerous combination of peer pressure and misguided information. Without thinking through the consequences of unprotected sex, it is all too easy for young people to make unwise decisions and, if they are unlucky, contract an STD, become pregnant or make someone else pregnant. Sexual exploitation is also a danger. This is why a foundation of quality contraception education needs to be put in place for all young people sooner rather than later.

Having ‘the talk’ can be uncomfortable for parents and their children, with communication awkward or impossible, leaving schools with the bulk of the task of ensuring students are aware of the facts of life. To support teachers in their efforts, 2020 Dreams run a Contraception Awareness workshop designed to provide accurate, up-to-date contraception education presented in a fun, interactive and, above all, effective way.

Key Stats*

In 2009, 57% of 16 to 19 year olds were using contraception, the lowest percentage of any age group±.
Of those who did use contraception, most used the male condom (65%) followed by the pill (54%).±
6% of 16 to 29 year old’s incorrectly believed that emergency contraception protected them from pregnancy until their next period (although fortunately none of those interviewed thought it would protect them from an STD).
* From the ONS (Office for National Statistics): London, 2009.
±These statistics were from a small sample of 60 respondents. These estimates are unreliable and any analysis based on them may be invalid.

What Will Teens Learn on a 2020 Contraception Awareness Course?

2020 Dreams Contraception Awareness workshops strike a balance between education and entertainment and also between delivering relevant information and giving teens and pre-teens the chance to speak for themselves.

As part of the contraception education content, students will learn about the different types of contraception available, their uses, advantages, disadvantages, side effects, contraindications and monitoring needs.

The course will cover condoms (male and female); spermicides; the pill; emergency contraception; contraceptive patches, rings and injections; cervical caps; sponges; reversible forms of contraception, such as IUDs and IUSs, and natural methods (e.g. the withdrawal method and fertility awareness). The difference between protection from conception and protection from STDs will be made very clear.

We will also explore the issue of sexual activity in broader terms, including why young people experience pressure to have sex and how they can effectively exercise their right to say “No!” By balancing impartial, informed advice with respect for the difficult situation in which teenagers and children find themselves we will create a positive atmosphere conducive to learning.

The open forum discussions, managed by the workshop leaders but led by the students themselves, are invaluable for ensuring that young people’s experiences are heard and taken account of, and their questions answered.

It may be the case that some students are worried about their sexual activity. For example they may be hiding a pregnancy, an STD or sexual exploitation. Our workshop facilitators are trained to sensitively handle any such disclosures and the student/s involved will be guided towards accessing the help they need.

Contraception Education and the National Curriculum

Contraception education is clearly an important part of any Sex and Relationships programme and is also relevant to PSHE education.

A 2020 Dreams Contraception Awareness workshop will save your school the resources spent on researching and getting up to speed, leaving you with more time to devote to your core programme. Students also tend to find it easier to be honest and open with external course providers rather than the class teachers they are familiar with.

We are comfortable working with any age group and within any institution, whether that be a school, children’s home or Young Offender Institute. Contact us to tell us of any special requirements and we will do our utmost to tailor-make a workshop for you.