A special edition magazine that draws on the comprehensive findings of a QUT research project into sexual health communication has been produced for teenage girls.
With more than 75% of teenage girls getting their information about puberty and sex from their friends, and 57% turning to the internet, editor of the Girlfriend Guide to Life, Sarah Tarca, said it was increasingly important to have the right information available.
“With well-researched and expertly advised articles, Girlfriend Guide to Life will help teenagers navigate through one of the most difficult, change-ridden times of their lives, from a source they can trust,” Ms Tarca said.
The special edition magazine provides age-appropriate, evidence-based information including:
- body changes and body image
- relationships with family and friends
- identity
- love, sex and sexual health
- mental health.
The magazine was co-edited by Professor Alan McKee, a QUT expert on the media’s impact on healthy sexual development, and is based on his team’s research into what teenage boys and girls know about their sexual development and how they get that information.
The team found some Australian teenage girls learned about puberty only after their first period had arrived.
“Research has shown that the more education young people receive about sex, the later they wait until they have sex themselves, and the happier they’ll be about the decisions they make,” said Professor McKee.
“The average age of first sex in Australia is 16 years old. Compare that to 17.7 in the Netherlands – a country where comprehensive sex education is provided from primary school onwards, and where parents and the media talk more openly about sex.
“Our research found that while sex education from their parents and schools covered the mechanics of sex, teen girls weren’t getting enough of the right information about issues like consent, relationship skills, sexual identities, open communication and what is normal in sexual development – that’s why we’ve covered those topics in Girlfriend Guide to Life.
“Girlfriend was mentioned often in our focus groups as a trusted source of information for teenagers and it was a logical magazine to work with – the editors are experts in understanding how to speak to young women in ways that they can relate to.”
Child safety advocate, Bravehearts, supports the special edition magazine.
“So excited to see this initiative from Girlfriend and QUT. Working in the area of sexual assault prevention, we know how important body confidence and knowledge is in protecting young people from harm,” Bravehearts’ Research Manager Carol Ronken said.
Ms Tarca said Guide to Life was also a useful talking point for parents who are unsure how to begin conversations about sexual and mental development.
“At Girlfriend, we know having 'the talk' can be awkward and embarrassing for anyone – and Guide to Life aims to make that talk a whole lot easier for both our readers and their parents,” she said.
Girlfriend Guide to Lifeis available for sale for three months.
Girlfriend Guide to Life – a snapshot:
- puberty – what changes to expect
- body images - how the media manipulates images to look ‘perfect’
- relationships – tips for getting along with family
- bullying – information to combat all types
- sexual harassment - what it is and where to get help
- boyfriends - why not having one is perfectly OK
- awkward conversation – how to have one effectively and assertively
- depression – how to recognise it and where to get help.
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