Students from Araullo High School read materials containing sex health education during the Health Information Dissemination Program held on October 01, 2019. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/FileMANILA — A research institute of the University of the Philippines Diliman underscored the importance of Comprehensive Sexuality Education for young people, saying many of the youth do not have reliable sources of information on sex and reproduction.

The UP Population Institute (UPPI) said that CSE is ‘crucial’ among youth as adolescents turn to peers and social media for sex and reproduction information.

“CSE is crucial for young people, as data reveals a heavy reliance on peers and social media for information about sex and reproduction and an increasing share of youth with no one to consult when they have questions about sex,” the UPPI said in its Facebook post.

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The group also emphasized that society has the responsibility to ensure that young people have ‘accurate, accurate, age-appropriate knowledge’ about their sexual health to make informed decisions.

“We can start the discussion at home,” it added.

The group cited their 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study, showing the decline of family-based sexuality education through the years.

“Despite the importance of family-based sexuality education, only 1 in 10 said they had ever discussed sex at home,” the UPPI said.

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The study also showed that male youth aged 15-24 years old mostly ask their friends questions about sex.

Others said they have no one to turn to, while some consult their parents and health professionals.

For female youth in the same age bracket, the study revealed that they mostly seek advice from their mothers.

Others said they turned to their friends, no one, health professionals, and siblings.

The majority of both female (44%) and male (39%) youth noted that they have no material sources of information about sex.

Others said they source their information about sex from social media, educational materials, other sources, TV and radio, movies and videos, and printed media.

Based on the preliminary findings of the study, in 2021, 19% of the population of around 20.2 million are considered Filipino youth aged 15-24.

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