The Catholic Youth Federation says it is important that young people talk more about sex and that education is much more effective if it is taught in homes, religious places or schools. Young people are not encouraged to talk about sex, even with their parents, but attitudes are changing, said Thilan George, president of the Catholic Youth Federation at the Sacred Heart Church in Kandy. “I never heard my mother use the word ‘sex ’,” he admitted at an awareness program for Sunday school children aged 10-17 at the Sacred Heart parish hall on Tuesday. More than 50 boys and girls attended the event. “Parents do not encourage open discussions about sex, especially among teenagers,” he said. “But we believe these discussions will make youths more aware of the problems and dangers of premarital intercourse.”

1. Youths promote sex education www.ucanews.com

2. Student group says media portrayals send out wrong, irresponsible signals.

3. The Catholic Youth Federation says it is important that young people talk more about sex and that education is much more effective if it is taught in homes, religious places or schools.

4. Young people are not encouraged to talk about sex, even with their parents, but attitudes are changing, said Thilan George, president of the Catholic Youth Federation at the Sacred Heart Church in Kandy.

5. “I never heard my mother use the word ‘sex ’,” he admitted at an awareness program for Sunday school children aged 10-17 at the Sacred Heart parish hall on Tuesday. More than 50 boys and girls attended the event.

6. “Parents do not encourage open discussions about sex, especially among teenagers,” he said. “But we believe these discussions will make youths more aware of the problems and dangers of premarital intercourse.”

7. He said youths are confused because of the wrong signals they receive these days from the media.

8. “Teenagers are naturally curious about changes in their lives especially changes in their bodies, so they should be taught about these things, especially sexuality,” said Father Boniface Mendis who conducted the program.

9. “The media often portrays sex irresponsibly as a natural and pleasurable act. Teens seeing this end up thinking of sex in similar ways, which can be dangerous,” added Father Mendis, who is also professor at the national seminary in Kandy.

10. The government is still undecided about whether to introduce sex education in schools. The issue, according to 14-year-old student DeshaniAberathne, has become “more dangerous among teenagers.”

11. Related story Youth group seeks new members Court frees all Gojra suspects Koreans launch anti-abortion drive