Short Summary: ‘Smart boys and girls talk about condoms before having sex and not after having sex’. This is one of the messages advocated by ‘Straight Talk’ a monthly four- page newspaper aimed at secondary schools students aged 15-19 and young adults in institutions of higher learning (20-24). Straight Talk provides accurate and factual information about safer sex, including abstinence, non-penetrative sex (setting sexual limits) and condom use. The paper has a counselling page where a group of dedicated and adolescent-friendly counsellors and doctors advise readers. ‘Young Talk’ targets upper primary school pupils, young adolescents aged 10-14. Key topics covered include changes at puberty, children's rights and responsibilities, life skills, general body health, hygiene and age appropriate sexual health information. Both newspapers have been used in guidance and counselling sessions in schools to stimulate discussions among pupils and teachers. Many pupils also wrote to one or other of these newspapers to seek advice or express their opinions.
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