'Anywhere you can talk about how you feel is better': Young people's experiences of sexual health messages

Despite increased sexuality education in New Zealand, concern remains about high rates of sexually transmitted infection and unplanned pregnancy among young people. To understand this 'gap', we consider what high school students learn about sexual health, and where they learn it. Narrative evidence reveals the negative, risk-oriented nature of sexual health messages at school and at home. In these power-laden places, little information is imparted about several key issues, including emotions. Students are aware of such absences, and articulate a desire for more open discussions of sexual health and sexuality, as is possible in informal settings occupied by friends.