Teens and STIs: how to have the talk

Talking about STIs is awkward at the best of times, let alone with your teenager. But it’s one of the most useful things you can do to help them make safe, informed choices, especially since young people aged 15 to 29 make up most cases of chlamydia and gonorrhoea in Australia. Here’s how to make the conversation easier for both of you.

When to talk about sex

It shouldn’t be one big conversation. Sex education works best as many small talks over years: simple explanations about bodies when they’re young, growing into puberty, relationships and sex as they mature. Starting early makes the later conversations far easier, and makes it more likely they’ll come to you with questions.

When to talk to your teen about STIs

Kids will learn about sex with or without you, so it’s better they hear accurate information. Sexual health is taught in Australian schools, so by 10 to 13 most kids know what sex is and are ready to learn about STIs. By 14, around 7% of boys and 6% of girls have had sex; by 16 to 17, about two-thirds have had a romantic relationship and around a third have had sex. So any conversation about relationships or sex should include STIs, and those conversations are better had sooner rather than later — ideally before your teen becomes sexually active, not after.

What to tell your teen about STIs

It helps to cover:

• what STIs are, and the most common ones in Australia
• how they spread
• common symptoms, and the fact that many STIs have none
• how to lower risk through safer sex and regular testing
• the importance of being tested and treated if they’re worried.

A big part of this is destigmatising STIs, framing them as medical conditions that deserve attention, not something to be ashamed of. Stigma leads to silence and misinformation, which is what actually puts health at risk.

How to talk to your teen about STIs

A few things that make it go better:

• Be approachable and honest so they know they can come to you with anything.
• Don’t make it a big thing — use a news story or TV moment as a natural springboard.
• Use the correct words, which keeps it matter-of-fact and avoids confusion.
• Be prepared for questions at unexpected moments, and welcome the curiosity.
• Encourage questions and make clear nothing is off-limits.
• Stay calm and non-judgemental — facts, not moralising, which only creates shame.
• It’s okay to laugh about how awkward it feels, or to admit you don’t know something.
• Point them to reliable sources, and offer to find things out together.
• Show them how to access care — their own Medicare card at 15, My Health Record, and local or online health services.

A note on age and consent for STI testing

At Clinic365, telehealth STI care is generally for people aged 16 and over, usually with a parent or guardian involved for those under 16. In some situations a Specialist GP may arrange testing for a younger person without a parent present, if they’re satisfied the young person fully understands the test, the results and any follow-up care. This is the “mature minor” (or “Gillick competent”) principle, decided case by case, with the goal of safe, private, appropriate care.

Equipping your teen with accurate information empowers them to make safe choices and take charge of their own health. These conversations don’t just protect your teen — they help protect their partners too, and reduce the spread of STIs in the community. You don’t need to get it perfect: being open, matter-of-fact and available is what counts.