Teenagers find informal discussion "less embarrassing", research says

London University's Institute of Education (IoE) is developing "teenager-friendly" material for use by 12 to 15 year olds in England.

Magazines such as Mizz and Bliss have been criticised for "unsuitable" material, with some teachers calling for them to have an age rating.

But IoE research leader David Buckingham said a "fresh approach" was needed.

Changing attitudes

His MediaRelate project found pupils thought informal sex education "less embarrassing" than that offered in the classroom.

Professor Buckingham said: "We believe that using media offers teachers a fresh approach to tackling sex and relationships education."

A survey of nearly 800 young people aged 10, 12 and 14 found that more than two-thirds thought television and teenage magazines a useful or very useful "way to find out about love, sex and relationships".

But researchers said teachers were "unconfident" about how to use such resources.

Prof Buckingham said pupils would be encouraged to analyse stories about sex in magazines and on TV programmes.

They are confronted by all this stuff outside school. This is a burden for kids, who are getting a mixed message Professor David Buckingham

He said: "We are encouraging kids to be more critical of media coverage.

"The reality is that they are confronted by all this stuff outside school. This is a burden for kids, who are getting a mixed message.

"On the one hand, some media glamorise sex. On the other, they are warned against it because of the risks of pregnancy or diseases."

An Ofsted study of 140 primary, secondary and special schools in England two years ago suggested teaching about sexual health and the law in relation to sex was "poor" in one lesson in five.

Teenage pregnancy rates remain among the highest in Europe.

'Problematic area'

Meanwhile, sexual diseases such as chlamydia and syphilis are also reportedly on the increase.

Prof Buckingham told the BBC News website: "Sex education is quite a problematic area for lots of teachers. It's a highly personal area.

"Looking at how the media deal with it makes it less personal and encourages students to debate the issues."

Age ratings

Children often found magazines and programmes such as the BBC1 children's drama Grange Hill more accessible.

The MediaRelate project is compiling a booklet on the subject for schools to use.

Earlier this year, primary school teacher Ralph Surman claimed magazines purportedly for 14 to 19 year olds - which he said glamorised promiscuity - were being marketed to pupils aged nine to 12.

Mr Surman, from Nottingham, called for these to receive age ratings in the same way as films, citing articles such as "Position of the Fortnight".

However, the Periodical Publishers' Association said: "We feel these ideas are very misinformed. This area of the magazine industry is already very tightly controlled."

The MediaRelate teaching materials are expected to be available from next April.