Copenhagen, 29 August 2024
A new report has found high rates of unprotected sex among adolescents across Europe, with significant implications for their health and safety.
An emergency report from the WHO Regional Office for Europe finds that condom use among sexually active adolescents has declined significantly since 2014, while rates of unprotected sex remain alarmingly high, putting young people at greater risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. The new data is part of the multi-part Health Behaviour of School-Age Children (HBSC) survey, which surveyed more than 242,000 15-year-olds in 42 countries and territories from 2014 to 2022.
The far-reaching effects of unprotected sex
Overall, the report highlights that a significant proportion of sexually active 15-year-olds are engaging in unprotected sex, which WHO warns could have far-reaching consequences for young people, including unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions and increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. The high prevalence of unprotected sex indicates significant gaps in comprehensive, age-appropriate sex education, including sex education, and access to contraception methods.
Declining condom use is a cause for concern
Compared to 2014 levels, the new data show a significant decline in the number of adolescents who report using a condom the last time they had sex. The data makes it clear that the decline in condom use is widespread across countries and regions, with some countries and regions seeing more dramatic declines than others.
The report highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these worrying trends and promote safer sex practices among young people, within the broader context of ensuring that young people have the fundamentals they need for optimal health and well-being.
“The report's findings are disappointing but not surprising,” said Dr Hans-Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. “Age-appropriate, comprehensive sexuality education is still neglected in many countries and, where it is available, has come under increasing attack in recent years on the false assumption that it encourages sexual behaviour. The truth, however, is that giving young people the right knowledge at the right time leads to optimal health outcomes that translate into responsible behaviour and choices. We are reaping the bitter fruits of these reactionary efforts and will only get worse in the future unless governments, health authorities, education sectors and other key stakeholders truly acknowledge the root causes of the current situation and take corrective measures. Immediate and sustained action, supported by data and evidence, is needed to stop this cycle of negative outcomes, including rising rates of STIs, increased healthcare costs and potentially disrupted educational and career paths for young people who do not receive the information and support they need in a timely manner.”
Key findings of the report
Decreasing Condom Use: Among sexually active adolescents, the percentage of boys who used a condom during their last sexual intercourse decreased from 70% to 61% among boys and from 63% to 57% among girls between 2014 and 2022. High Prevalence of Unprotected Sex: Nearly one-third of adolescents (30%) reported not using a condom or contraception during their last sexual intercourse, a figure that has remained largely unchanged since 2018. Socioeconomic Differences: Adolescents from lower-income families were more likely to report not using a condom or contraception during their last sexual intercourse than their peers from more affluent families (33% vs. 25%). Contraceptive Use: According to the report, contraceptive use during last sexual intercourse remained relatively stable between 2014 and 2022, with 26% of 15-year-olds reporting that they or their partner used contraception during their last sexual intercourse.
The Need for Comprehensive Sex Education
The findings highlight the importance of providing comprehensive sexual health education and resources to young people. “It's crucial that teenagers have access to accurate information about sexual health,” said Eva, 16, from Ireland. “We need education that covers everything from consent to contraception so they can make informed decisions and protect themselves.”
“Comprehensive sexuality education is key to closing these gaps and enabling all young people to make informed decisions about sex during a particularly vulnerable time in their lives: the transition from adolescence to adulthood,” said the report's lead author, Dr András Korte, from the University of Galway. “But education should not just be about providing information. Young people need safe spaces to discuss issues such as consent, intimate relationships, gender identity and sexual orientation, and we – governments, health and education authorities and civil society organizations – should help them develop key life skills such as transparent and non-judgemental communication and decision-making.”
Roadmap for action despite worrying trends
The findings are grim, but they also offer a roadmap for the way forward.
The report calls for comprehensive, age-appropriate sexuality education, youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, and sustainable investments in policies and environments that support adolescent health and rights.
“The findings of this report should be a call to action. Adolescents have the right to the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their sexual health. We have the evidence, the tools and the strategies to improve adolescent sexual health outcomes – but what we need is the political will and resources to make it happen,” said Dr Margriet de Roose of Utrecht University, one of the report's co-authors.
A call to action for policymakers and educators
The WHO Regional Office for Europe calls on policy makers, educators and health care providers to prioritize adolescent sexual health through the following efforts:
Invest in comprehensive sexuality education: Implement and fund evidence-based sexuality education programs in schools covering a wide range of topics, including contraception, STIs, consent, healthy relationships, gender equality, and LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, plus) issues. The International Technical Guidelines on Sexuality Education, developed by a consortium of UN agencies and partners, are key to this. Strengthen access to youth-friendly sexual health services: Ensure that adolescents around the world have access to confidential, non-stigma-free and affordable sexual health services that meet their specific needs and preferences. Promote open dialogue: Encourage open and honest conversations about sexual health within families, schools and communities to reduce stigma and raise awareness. Train educators: Provide specialized training for teachers and health professionals to deliver effective and comprehensive sexuality education. Such resources should be made available in both school and out-of-school settings. Conduct further research: Investigate the underlying reasons for declining condom use and variations in sexual health behaviours among different populations to inform targeted interventions. This may include analysing the messages and other content adolescents are exposed to on social media and online platforms, taking into account their scope and impact.
“Ultimately, what we are trying to achieve for young people is a solid foundation for life and love,” Dr Kluj said. “Sexual and reproductive health and rights are important, delivered at the right time, with the right knowledge and the right health and wellbeing services. By empowering adolescents to make informed decisions about their sexual health, we ultimately protect and enhance their overall well-being, which is what all parents and families around the world should want for their children.”
