Sunday, August 2, 1998 Published at 22:59 GMT 23:59 UK
Parents told 'talk sex to children early'
Young people say the sex education they get is "too little, too late"
Getting a boyfriend, being preoccupied with sex and having a crush on a female teacher are among the most important issues to do with sex and relationships as far as teenage girls are concerned.
While penis size, wondering if you are homosexual and the fear that masturbation makes you infertile are the questions most likely to keep teenage boys awake worrying at night.
So a Family Planning Association (FPA) survey on the top ten teenage questions about sex and relationships has found.
The importance of talking sex
The survey has been released to coincide with the start of Get Sexwise! week, which is intended to highlight the importance of parents talking to their children about sex and relationships from an early age.
According to the FPA, many teenagers' worries about sex and relationships "are as old as time, but some reflect the pressures on young people today to become sexually active sooner than they may wish".
The organisation wants parents and children to feel more comfortable talking about sex to each other.
Education for precaution
Previous research has shown that young people who receive a good sex education are more likely to delay their first sexual activity, and to take precautions when they begin.
They are also less likely to become pregnant. The UK currently has the highest rate of teenage pregnancies in Europe.
'Too little, too late'
A survey of young people aged between 11 and 16 showed that most thought the main source of sex education should be their parents, followed by teachers.
However many parents feel shy or embarrassed talking about sex with their children.
The FPA says that young people are unhappy with the limited sex education they receive because: