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Schoolies to T X T 4 F r e e C o n d o m zDate: 05/11/08 Back by popular demand, Australia’s leading sexual and reproductive healthcare organisation is helping give young people greater access to condoms and encouraging the practice of safe sex, thanks to the ‘TXT 4 Free Condomz’ sexual health campaign launched today.
Launched in an effort to tackle rising sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates, mobile phone users will be sent two free condoms in plain packaging when they text their name and address details to 19 SEXTXT (19 739898). “Many teenagers are about to embark on the end of year ‘Schoolies’ vacation with their friends, and with the party atmosphere at an all time high over summer the chances of engaging in risky sexual activity is greatly increased,” said Jill Michelson, General Manager of Operations for Marie Stopes International. “Yet feedback has indicated that a number of young people are embarrassed to go to the supermarket, convenience store or chemist to purchase condoms, or they simply don’t have the money to do so. “This initiative overcomes both the embarrassment and the cost issue of buying condoms, and does so using a medium and language that resonates with youth.” Recent research commissioned by Marie Stopes International and conducted by Quantum Market Research on Australian teens and their parents1, found that although 61% of teens rate their knowledge of sexual health issues as good/excellent:
“Given that the majority of year 12 students are sexually active in some way and over half have reported having had intercourse, it is vital that they have condoms and know how and when to use them to protect themselves against unplanned pregnancy and STIs.” The ‘TXT 4 Free Condomz’ campaign is now in its second year, receiving over 1,000 requests for condoms from teenagers when it was trialed last year. “We had a very positive response last year from teenagers, even receiving text messages of support for the service from parents,” Ms Michelson said. “Of course, as with any sex education initiative, there are a handful of conservative groups who don’t support it. “We strongly believe that ignoring the problem of teens having unsafe sex and shifting the responsibility for addressing it won’t make it go away. “However, educating youth on the risks and providing them with access to condoms will help contain it. “And it is time that all Australian teens received the support and education they deserve.” The ‘TXT 4 Free Condomz’ sexual health campaign will run until 14 December 2008 or while stocks last. To receive a pack of two condoms sent to you in a discreet plain envelope, simply text FREE + YOUR NAME + YOUR ADDRESS to 19SEXTXT (19 739 898). Text message costs are 55c and permission must be sought from the person who pays the mobile bill. More information on the campaign and on sexual health topics can be found at www.sextxt.org.au. (ends)
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