Category: News
Date: 07.09.2004
Printable version
Eighty-six
per cent of respondents to a national 91Èȱ¬ survey regarding sexually
transmitted infections (STIs) felt the Government should impose tougher
restrictions on sexual images on children's television, and in magazines
aimed at children, in order to discourage under-16s from having sex.
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The 91Èȱ¬'s Healthy Britain survey questioned more
than one thousand people on a number of issues including free contraception,
sex education and screening services.
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There was strong support across all age-groups for tighter
controls on sexual images on children's television, with 92% of 55 to
64 year olds, and 78% of 18 to 24 year olds, backing the notion.
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Over three-quarters of those polled (78%) support spending
Government funds on free condoms to discourage unprotected sex.
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The figure rises to 91% of the 18 to 24 age group,
while 65% of the 65+ age group also back the idea. Twenty-two per cent
were opposed to the suggestion.
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The survey group was split on whether condoms should
be freely and easily available to all under-16s, with 49% for the idea,
as opposed to 48% who were against.
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Nearly two-thirds (62%) of 18 to 24 year olds felt condoms
should be easily available to under-16s, versus 34% of the 65+ age group
and 43% of 55 to 64 year olds.
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Nine out of ten (92%) support more Government money
to make it easier for people to get screening and treatment for STIs,
while seven per cent are against the idea.
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Eighty-nine per cent of respondents support television
campaigns and publicity to promote safer sex and highlight the inherent
risks of unprotected sex. Ten per cent were not in favour of such a
move.
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Ninety-three per cent of the 18 to 24 age group were
supportive of the promotion of safer sex via television campaigns.
Notes to Editors
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The 91Èȱ¬'s Healthy BritaiÂ’ survey should be credited
if any of the above findings are used.
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The poll was conducted for the 91Èȱ¬ by ICM, who carried
out a survey by phone of 1,010 adults across England, Scotland and Wales
between 20 and 22 August.
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