UK: Fact of life - Mum knows best

Mum's the word when it comes to talking about sex, a new study reveals today.

Three in five children between the ages of 10 and 15 choose to turn to their mother rather than their father with sensitive questions about sex and puberty.

And it’s not just the girls who are talking to their mums. Twice as many adolescent boys approach mum over dad when it comes to discussions about the birds and the bees.

According to the ‘Talking Puberty’ study by Norwich Union Healthcare, gone are the days of parents broaching the subject of puberty. In fact, nearly half of kids actively approach their parents and bring the topic up before their parents get to them.

But discussions about sex still tops the list of things parents find most difficult to discuss with their children – followed by death and drugs.

While sex education at school helps – the study shows that nine in ten adolescents have had sex education at school - a quarter admit they still don’t know enough about puberty.

Commenting on the findings of the ‘Talking Puberty’ study, leading psychologist Dr Aric Sigman said: “The research shows there’s certainly a will but not always a way to discuss sensitive topics such as sex and puberty. Mothers are far more proactive at seeking out a time to talk and making themselves available for questions and are generally better at reading a child’s emotions. But fathers still seem to be in the dark.

“The average age at which children reach puberty is falling, particularly amongst girls. Recent statistics released by the Government* show that in the past three years more than 400 girls under 14 conceived so it’s critical that parents take an active role in educating their child about puberty and life changes.”

Norwich Union Healthcare’s ‘Talking Puberty’ study of 252 children aged 10 to 15 years and 244 parents also shows:

• Dads find delicate topics most difficult to handle, with 38 per cent admitting to never having discussed sex and puberty with their children
• Three quarters of parents assume their children find out about puberty at school
• Nine in ten children aged 10 to 15 years old think their parents are good role models and 92 per cent believe they explain puberty well
• Nearly two thirds of parents describe their family as open and communicative with nearly half of children surveyed agreeing

Nicole Hockley, communications manager for Norwich Union Healthcare, said: “The teenage years bring with them their own unique challenges for teens, but also for parents. Our research shows that families are more open and honest than ever before, but parents still need help and guidance in broaching sensitive topics with their children.”

Dr Aric Sigman’s five tips for parents discussing puberty with their children are:

1. Parents should work as a team. Fathers may feel more comfortable providing the facts and general information in a discussion, while the mother may provide the emotional and social context
2. Try to get some clear impartial information before approaching your kids – there’s a lot of misinformation about topics such as contraception, drugs and alcohol
3. Children may learn about the biology of puberty and sex at school and from the media, but they’re often naďve about the emotional changes and this is where parents can provide a lot of input
4. Don’t be afraid to be parents as opposed to ‘best friends’ to your child. They expect you to hold different or disapproving views about many things

More information and advice for parents from Dr Sigman is available at www.norwichunion.com/puberty

Press contact:
Matthew Buchanan, Jo Misson or Howard Bowden at QBO on 020 7379 0304 or Louise Zucchi at Norwich Union on 08703 666 860

Dr Aric Sigman is available for interview on the findings of the Norwich Union Healthcare ‘Talking Puberty’ study and offering advice for parents.

Notes to editors

• Norwich Union Healthcare commissioned research amongst 244 parents and 252 children aged 10 to 15 years old in July 2002

  * (Office of National Statistics 2002)

• Norwich Union Healthcare is the healthcare arm of Norwich Union and provides a range of private medical insurance and income protection products to around 750,000 customers. It is one of the largest providers of income protection and private medical insurance in the UK.
• Norwich Union is the UK’s largest insurer offering a comprehensive range of long-term savings and general insurance products.
• Norwich Union’s news releases are available on the Aviva plc website at www.aviva.com
• A selection of images are available from the Norwich Union Newscast site at www.newscast.co.uk