At age 17, 33% of young people in Ireland reported having had sexual intercourse.
40% of Irish teenagers aged 17 have not spoken to their parents about sex and relationships, according to a new report.
The report, which was conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and the Health Service Executive (HSE), found that the majority of 17-year-olds had received their sexual education from friends.
It also found that at age 17, nearly a quarter of young men (24%) and 20% of young women cited the internet/television/films/books as their main source.
Those who had "poor-quality relationships" with their peers were much more likely to rely on information from the internet/TV/films/books.
Young women found it easier to talk to their mothers, while young men found it easier to talk to their fathers.
However, nearly 60% of young men found it difficult or very difficult to talk to their fathers about sex.
At age 17, 33% of young people in Ireland reported having had sexual intercourse.
Frank Feighan, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and National Drugs Strategy said:
"I am very pleased to launch this new report, which provides us with vital information on one of the most important elements of growing up. Evidence based information is vital to understanding emerging trends in sexual health and to ensuring that the supports we are providing for parents, children and young people have a firm foundation.
"I have no doubt that this study will make a very welcome contribution to our knowledge base here. I also want to welcome the books being launched today which will be a great help to parents in dealing with this most sensitive of subjects."
The report can be read in full
here.
