Sexual health in young people

Such is the importance of improving sexual health that, in February 2017, the United Kingdom (UK) Government proposed “age appropriate” sex and relationship education (SRE) to be a compulsory element, and thus a legal requirement, of the national curriculum in both primary and secondary schools via amendment of the Children and Social Work Bill. This article gives an overview of the important aspects of sexual health in young people living in the UK in the 21st century and provides important context for healthcare practitioners who work with young people. It discusses sources of information, confidentiality, sexuality, gender identity, contraception, pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.