The WHO alarm on youth sexual health
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about an alarming trend: 30% of 15-year-olds in Spain do not use condoms during sexual intercourse. This situation is not isolated, but is part of a worrying dynamic observed at European level, according to a report published this Thursday.
A worrying European panorama
The director of the WHO in Europe, Hans Kluge, has highlighted that the low rate of condom use among young people is a reflection of a lack of adequate sex education and increasingly conservative attitudes. Kluge has expressed that the data is a result of efforts to restrict sex education, which could lead to more negative consequences if the root causes are not recognized and addressed.
Trends in the use of condoms among adolescents
The WHO report looks at trends in condom use among 15-year-olds between 2014 and 2022, revealing that while the percentage of young people who have had sex has increased, condom use has decreased significantly. While in 2014 almost 90% of girls claimed to have used condoms, this percentage has fallen to 68% in 2022.
Differences between genders
Boys, on the other hand, seem to maintain a slightly higher percentage of condom use, with 75% claiming to have used one in their last relationship. However, these figures still reflect a decrease compared to previous years.
Spain in a European context
Interestingly, despite the drop in condom use, Spain ranks better than the European average. Only 57% of girls and 61% of boys in Europe indicate having used condoms in their last relationship. This suggests that, despite the negative trends, Spain is still in a relatively favorable position.
The challenges of sexual education
Against the backdrop of conservative politics affecting sexual health, it is crucial that safe spaces are fostered for discussion of issues such as consent, intimate relationships and sexual diversity. The ‘parental pin’ project is an example of how these essential conversations can be limited, which the WHO report highlights as an urgent need.
Reflections on the future
The declining trend in condom use among teenagers is a warning sign that demands an immediate response from governments, educators and health professionals. It is critical that authorities address these issues and work to ensure that young people have access to appropriate sexuality education and resources to enable them to make informed decisions about their sexual health.
