Beginning the conversation about adolescent sexual health in Australia: where should it start?
By Xanthe Longhurst
Given all the advances in healthcare accessibility in Australia, why should the sexual health of adolescents still be seen as a taboo topic? For decades now, Australia has been a forerunner in acknowledging and reforming longstanding laws against inclusivity of sexual practices. The fact is, sexual health and wellbeing is a human right and progression should be constantly considered, researched and put into practice.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises that sexual health and well-being should be viewed positively; however, this is only possible when the environment a person lives in promotes sexual health with widespread acknowledgement, quality information and accessible care. So, how can Australia increase inclusivity and make sexual healthcare more accessible?
Australia’s health system has encouraged these conversations through providing a National Framework for sexual health education in schools. This aids teaching staff to provide thorough and relevant information, and also structures learning to make it more comfortable for both children and educators. This framework tackles issues of sexual health in a way that introduces adverse health effects in a sensitive and inclusive manner to create a safe learning environment for children from all backgrounds.
Currently in Australia, medical associations are pushing to destigmatise the negativity around sexual health discussions. However, it is important these discussions begin from early childhood with the adults closest to them. This introduces casual conversations where questions are encouraged from a young age.
It is important to acknowledge that conversations around sexual health are even more confronting and difficult for Australia’s migrant population. Policies and health systems are making the conversation around sexual health more normalised for young families; however, this is something that is not reciprocated around the globe. In 2021, 29.1% of Australia’s population was born overseas – this is ranked 9th in the world for migrant population. This large portion of the population have not had the same exposure to sexual health services, which makes beginning the conversation even more difficult.
Unfortunately, this negative stigma and discrimination toward sexual health is often a result of intergenerational beliefs and years of cultural practices. Until this unconscious bias toward sexual activity and sexual health of adolescents is minimised, both infection levels and long-term side effects will continue to increase. Unconscious bias within families not only prevents the discussion with trusted adults but also between sexual partners. Due to the associated stigma, partners are not discussing their sexual history or the engagement of safer sexual practices in fear of judgement. This is a domino effect the Australian health system is trying to reduce with several innovative measures.
The Australian Government has introduced 6 programs and policies which outline strategies targeting blood borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections. These programs increase financial support, confidentiality measures and accessibility for all residents of Australia. These strategies recognise that adolescents feel more comfortable obtaining sexual healthcare services independently; this is made possible by the increasing of funding in the testing and education sectors.
The population of Australia is fortunate to have a health system and government committed to providing accessible, affordable sexual health services. It is now up to residents to engage with services both as preventative measures and treatment. This can be improved by increasing advertisement for available services to people who may not be openly exposed to all options.
The Evers study investigated the effectiveness of social media for sexual health promotion. Social media was found to be an extremely valuable platform for health professionals to share important information. Simultaneously, it creates a space for individuals to seek anonymous help and even engage in group conversation. Given that most adolescents seek advice only when they have been exposed to sexual health concerns, social media provides a judgement free and reliable platform.
Several studies have found that media is the preferred source for sexual health information; this is likely because treatment options can be found anonymously, without having to disclose excessive personal information. Having information freely available on the internet removes the stigma associated with sexual health – suddenly people realise they are not the only ones seeking help.
The Australian government has clearly worked very closely with the Australian health system to develop policies which promote safe and judgement free healthcare. Being exposed to open conversations and education of sexual health has allowed me to view it as any other health issue, however I understand that not every person is exposed to this privilege.
It is clear Australia has invested into providing the services; now the uptake of services is key. It is important that every person considers how they can have their own impact on promoting accessible sexual healthcare. We can begin by normalising the conversation with everyone around us, and before we know, it will be just like discussing the common cold.