High school graduates packing their bags and getting ready to set off to Schoolies celebrations around the country have been issued a reminder to practice safe sex and use condoms at all times.
 
“Without a doubt, graduation is an exhilarating time for all school-leavers and, with the party atmosphere at an all time high, the chances of engaging in sexual activity during the Schoolies celebration is greatly increased,” said Jill Michelson, General Manager of Operations for Marie Stopes International.
 

“Unfortunately, we have traditionally seen an increase in the number of people needing advice for unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections reported in the weeks following the Schoolies vacation.
 

“It is therefore vital that teenagers have access to condoms and that they use them at all times, including during oral sex.”
 

In an effort to encourage young people to practice safe sex and get their contraception sorted before they head off to Schoolies, Marie Stopes International recently launched a ‘TXT 4 Free Condomz’ sexual health campaign.
 

Mobile phone users are sent two free condoms in plain packaging when they text ‘FREE’ plus their name and address details to 19 SEXTXT (19 739898).
 

“Feedback has indicated that a number of young people are embarrassed to go to the supermarket, convenience store or chemist and purchase condoms, or they simply don’t have the money to do so,” Ms Michelson said.
 

“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 parents , found that although 61% of teens rate their knowledge of sexual health issues as good/excellent:


- over half (52%) think that by using a condom, they won’t contract herpes;
- nearly half (45%) were not aware that they could be infected with Chlamydia but have no symptoms; and
- 3 in 10 (30%) teens were unaware whether they could contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from oral sex.
 

“These findings suggest significant room for improvement in STI knowledge levels generally amongst teens, especially with STI rates at an all time high,” Ms Michelson said.
 

“Given that the majority of Year 12 students are sexually active in some way and over half have reported having had vaginal intercourse, it is vital that they have condoms and know how and when to use them to protect themselves against unplanned pregnancy and STIs.
 

“And all Schoolies need to stick to the motto ‘if it’s not on, it’s not on’ when it comes to sex and condoms this summer.”
 

Schoolies Week is a three-week graduation festival celebrated by thousands of Year 12 school leavers from all around Australia. Predominantly held on Queensland’s Gold Coast, the event takes place this year from 22 November until 14 December 2008.
 

The ‘TXT 4 Free Condomz’ sexual health campaign will run from 31 October 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)
 

About Marie Stopes International: Marie Stopes International is a not-for-profit sexual and reproductive healthcare provider, with centres in the ACT, VIC, NSW, QLD and WA. MSI offers a range of services, including abortion, vasectomy, sexually transmitted infection check-ups, contraception and community-based health promotion and education. The organisation is part of a global international partnership that delivers vital health services to over five million people in 42 countries worldwide. Surplus funds support Marie Stopes International Australia, our charity partner, which works to save lives and improve sexual and reproductive health in Indigenous Australia and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
 

For media enquiries contact Kath Markov - Marie Stopes International on 0421 097 150