Young People

Sometimes it feels like everyone’s trying to push you into having sex: your friends, your boyfriend or girlfriend, films and TV. But it’s up to you when you have sex, and it’s OK to say no.

If you are in a relationship you may be thinking about having sex. This can be an exciting and scary time but there are some things to think about first.

It can be hard to decide when the right time for you to have sex is. It is important to remember the decision to have sex for the first time or anytime is yours.

The law says that you should not have sex until you are 16 years old (this is called the ‘age of consent’ and applies to gay and straight sexual activity). This may be the legal age of consent but it does not always mean it is the right time for you. Being ready will happen at a different time for everyone. It should be based on your decision not because of peer pressure.

Not everybody is doing it! Most people have sex for the first time when they’re 16 or older, not before. If someone’s boasting about having sex, it’s possible that they’re pretending.