How do you know you are ready for sex? I understand the importance of being cared for and caring for others in relationships and can explain why. HWB 4-44a I understand and can explain the importance of, and need for, commitment, trust and respect in loving and sexual relationships. I understand the different contexts of such relationships including marriage. HWB 4-44c I recognise that power can exist within relationships and can be used positively as well as negatively. HWB 4-45a I am developing skills for making decisions about my relationships and sexual behaviour. I am able to apply these to situations that may be challenging or difficult. HWB 4-46c I reflect on how my attitudes, beliefs, values and morality can influence my decisions about friendships, relationships and sexual behaviour. HWB 4-46a rshp.scot

How do you know if you are ready to have sex for the first time? What are the most common questions young people have about having sex for the first time? How do you know if you are ready to have sex for the first time? https://youtu.be/BrUMvQjEkvo rshp.scot

So, how do you know if you are ready to have sex? Your body just feels ready. You never want to rush into it or feel pressured. You feel emotionally ready. Sex is an emotional thing. If you don’t feel ready, you’re not, so wait. You know your partner. And know them long enough to be sure that you want your first time to be with them (or that you are ready for your first time with them). You are doing it because you really want to. Don’t give in to peer pressure, or pressure from a partner, and don’t believe that everybody else is doing it so you have to. Take a moment and think about this: if you decide you don’t want to have sex just now, will your partner be okay with that? You have got condoms and contraception sorted. Yes, both. So that you are both protected from STIs and for heterosexual couples there is no risk of pregnancy. You both respect each other. Obviously. rshp.scot

Finding good information, advice and support about sexual health, including condoms and contraception. Here are some good sources of information online: www.healthyrespect.co.uk http://www.cool2talk.org/ http://youngpeoples.sandyford.org/   Your nearest confidential clinic that welcomes young people is: INSERT LOCAL INFORMATION rshp.scot