Contraception helps prevent pregnancy, and condoms also protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using a condom every time you have sex – whether it's vaginal, oral, or anal – is the best way to reduce your risk of both pregnancy and STIs.
There are lots of different kinds of contraception you can use, like the pill, the implant, or condoms. If you want to learn about all the options, you can ask your School Nurse or visit a sexual health clinic. Remember, it’s okay to take your time and find what works best for you and your partner.
You can read more about sexual health on the Health for Teens website. Sexual health – Health for Teens.
STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are infections that spread through sexual contact. Some STIs, like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and herpes, can be caught during unprotected sex, whether that’s vaginal, anal, or oral.
Using condoms and getting tested regularly are the best ways to stay safe. Some STIs don’t have symptoms, so even if everything feels okay, it’s still important to get checked. If you think you might have an STI, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about – there’s help available, and many STIs can be treated easily.
You can learn more about different STIs and how to get tested on the Bexley Sexual Health website. Home – Bexley Sexual Health.
Masturbation means touching yourself to explore what feels good. It’s normal and a common way for people to understand what they enjoy. It can help you figure out what feels nice for you, whether you’re alone or with a partner.
Masturbation is safe and doesn’t spread STIs when done alone. If you’re masturbating with a partner (sometimes called mutual masturbation), it’s good to wash your hands before and after and avoid touching your face, eyes, or mouth to help prevent passing any germs or infections.
There’s no rush to have sex, and it’s really important to be sure you’re ready. Only you can decide if it feels like the right time. If you feel unsure, pressured, or just not ready yet – that’s totally okay. Being ready means feeling comfortable, safe, and that you’re doing it because you want to, not because of pressure from someone else. It also means understanding how to stay safe while having sex, knowing how to use contraception, and respecting each other’s boundaries.
Health for Teens offer some things to think about to help work out if you're ready for sex. Are you ready for sex? – Health for Teens.
Pornography, or porn, is explicit content like pictures or videos created to sexually excite people. It’s easy to find online, and it’s normal to feel curious about it. But it’s important to understand that porn doesn’t show what real-life relationships or sex are like—it’s often exaggerated, staged, and edited. This can lead to unrealistic expectations about bodies, intimacy, and consent.
If you want to learn more about porn, including the facts, risks, laws and how to approach it in a healthy way, visit Childline's guide: Online Porn
What is sexting?
Sexting is when you send someone sexually explicit texts, photos, or videos – usually through messaging apps, social media, or over the phone. It might seem fun or exciting, but it also comes with risks.
What are the risks of sexting?
Once you send a photo or video, it’s really hard to control what happens next. Someone could share it without your permission, which could be embarrassing or harmful. This could lead to cyberbullying, stress, or even issues with the law if the person involved is under 18.
It’s also illegal for anyone under 18 to take or share explicit pictures, even of themselves. If someone pressures you to send pictures, remember that you have every right to say no. If you’ve already shared something and are worried, there is support available, and it’s important to talk to someone you trust.
Tips for staying safe with sexting
- Only send things you’re comfortable with and never feel pressured.
- Avoid including your face or anything that could identify you.
- If something goes wrong, talk to a trusted adult. You can also call Childline on 0800 1111 or visit their website for more ways to reach out. Home – Childline.
- You can take this quiz to learn about laws around sexting. Sexting: Know the Law – Health For Teens.