Understanding teenage sexuality in Ireland

It is a great pleasure to introduce this important research report – the first major qualitative study on teenage sexuality in Ireland. This research aimed to explore, in depth, post-primary pupils ’ perspectives on sexuality, sex education and the factors and pressures that influence their sexual knowledge and behaviour. Much of the existing research in the area of teenage sexuality in Ireland is quantitative. The findings of this qualitative research give a detailed understanding of the pressures and problems young people face in finding their place in the world of adolescent sexuality. The insights provided by the research will have a real practical application in assisting those who are developing or working in sexual health or education services for young people. Young people, in turn, will benefit from information and health services that are targeted to meet their specific needs. I would like to thank the authors of the study, Dr Abbey Hyde and Ms Etaoine Howlett for their excellent work on this piece of research. Sincere thanks are also due to the teachers, parents and, most of all, the young people who made the research possible. They express their opinions in a forthright manner, which sometimes makes for challenging reading; however, the value of conducting research like this is that it gives us insights into what needs to be done and how best to do it. The findings from this and other recently completed Crisis Pregnancy Agency research reports are building a comprehensive picture of sexual health in Ireland. It is my hope that as our understanding of the factors that contribute to crisis pregnancy and sexual health issues increases, so the way we address them will become ever more successful