Teen condom use is decreasing, potentially influenced by adult content on platforms like Only Fans, according to YMCA sexual health educator Sarah Peart.
Peer pressure and stigma around purchasing condoms contribute to this decline, making many young people feel embarrassed about using them.
Young girls are being targeted on social media with alternatives to traditional contraception, such as natural family planning, which can be unreliable.
The YMCA offers sessions in schools to educate students, addressing the risks of STIs and debunking myths related to contraception.
Recent data from the World Health Organization highlights a significant portion of young individuals who have not used condoms, amid a rise in sexually transmitted infections.