Female, male teens want general info on sex — UP poll

The majority of female and male adolescents want to get general information about sex, a University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) poll found.

According to UPPI, 66 percent of female adolescents aged 15 to 19 said they would like to get general information about sex.

Thirty-one percent said they want information about pregnancy-related issues; 20 percent about contraception; 19 percent about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and/or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS); and six percent about sexual positions and/or techniques.

Meanwhile, 76 percent of male adolescents aged 15 to 19 also said they would like to get general information about sex.

About 19 percent said they want information about contraception; 16 percent about sexual positions and/or techniques; 12 percent about pregnancy-related issues; and 12 percent about STIs/HIV-AIDS.

"The adolescents have spoken, and their needs are clear! Young women are seeking reliable information on sex and pregnancy, while young men are focused on learning about sex and contraception," the UPPI noted.

"It's time to ensure every young person has the resources to make informed choices," it furthered.

The UPPI conducted the poll amid discussions surrounding Senate Bill No. 1979 or the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill, legislation that aims to address the alarming rise of teenage pregnancies in the country.

Also included in the bill is comprehensive sexual education, which covers topics such as human sexuality, informed consent, effective contraceptive use, HIV/AIDS and STIs, sexual abuse and exploitation, gender equality and equity, and gender-based violence, among others.

The National Coalition for the Family and the Constitution opposed the CSE, claiming some of its provisions include inappropriate concepts and threaten "moral, societal, and spiritual values."

This was refuted by several child rights advocates and groups, as well as Senator Risa Hontiveros, the principal author of the bill.

Hontiveros slammed the misinformation, disinformation, and fear-mongering being thrown against the bill.

Contrary to the claims of Project Dalisay, Hontiveros said the Senate Bill has no provisions about teaching or encouraging masturbation for children aged zero to four years old.

Child rights advocates, on the other hand, assured that the CSE is "age-appropriate" and "culturally sensitive."