Scouts told how to be prepared . . . about sex

SCOUTS will be educated about sex and relationships after the Scout Association launched its first ever national sexual health programme.

Members aged 14-18 will benefit from new educational material provided to their leaders.

Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: "This programme is about getting the right information to young people to help them make smart decisions about their relationships. We want to help young people become confident, clued up and aware.

"My message is - make your own mind up and don't let others do it for you. We only get one body, so respect it and people will respect you."

The programme, My Body, My Choice, follows on from an initiative in 2008. That opened up the possibility of trips to sexual health clinics and the distribution of condoms by leaders in special circumstances.

Health Protection Agency figures show the UK has the highest rate of sexually transmitted infections and teenage pregnancies in Europe, with STIs being most prevalent in under-25s.

The Scout Association believes these statistics are most likely to be reversed if young people are given clear information about safe sex. As part of the programme, scouts will be able to participate in an activity allowing them to anonymously write down any questions about sex they want answered.