Controversial sex book launched

Brook says the booklet will offer straighforward advice to teenagers

A UK charity is republishing a controversial sex advice booklet for teenagers which includes tips on how to grope and how to start foreplay.

Brook, which offers free and confidential advice to people under the age of 25, has published the book to coincide with sexual health week.

When the guide was first published in 1991, it caused a huge row between sex education groups and family campaigners.

The booklet entitled "Say yes, say no, say maybe" includes a good grope guide telling young people exactly how to start foreplay and have sex.

It suggests different positions for sex and includes cartoons featuring teenagers having sex and graphics showing how to put on a condom.

It treats teenagers like alley cats

Valerie Riches, Family and Youth Concern

It also advises teenagers to think before they have sex and warns about the risk of Aids and unwanted pregnancies.

A spokeswoman for Brook said the book offers "straight-forward" information for young people.

"This booklet was first published almost 10 years ago and we have now updated it.

"It offers straight-forward advice and information to young people and will enable them to make positive and safe choices about sex.

Criticism

But Valerie Riches, founder and president of the group Family and Youth Concern, criticised the move.

"I am surprised that Brook have had the audacity to reproduce this book.

"It treats teenagers like alley cats and just tells them to go out and have sex.

"It will do nothing to stop the rising rates of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases and most parents would not want their children to be exposed to this."

The Brook spokeswoman dismissed those views. "That flies against all evidence.

"If you provide young people with accurate information and deal honestly with them then you actually delay first sex. That is backed up by evidence. We are treating them as young adults."