Sex education shouldn’t be awkward, confusing, or just a one-time chat. But for many young men, that’s exactly what it is.
Between vague school lessons, rushed conversations with parents, and the influence of social media and porn, it’s easy to pick up misinformation and unrealistic expectations. So, what do young men actually need to know about sexual health? Here are three powerful takeaways from our Youth Worker, Danny, that can help change the way we talk about sex, stigma, and speaking up.
1. Sex Ed: More Than Just ‘Wear a Condom’
For too many young men, sex education is little more than an awkward conversation with a parent or a forgettable classroom lesson. But real sexual health education goes beyond one-off chats—it should be an ongoing conversation that covers consent, relationships, communication, and personal responsibility.
Danny, a youth worker at Top Blokes Foundation, recalls his own experience:
“I remember throwing a cassette or a video in and watching something about fertility… you’re there with your classmates, it’s co-ed, you don’t feel particularly comfortable. That was it.”
At Top Blokes, we take a different approach. Our workshops encourage real talk—normalising discussions about sex, breaking down myths, and making sure young men feel comfortable seeking support when they need it.
2. Breaking the Stigma: Sex, Safety & Speaking Up
Despite progress, stigma around sexual health still exists. Many young men feel embarrassed about STIs, checkups, and even discussing contraception. But owning your sexual health isn’t just about protection—it’s about confidence, responsibility, and respect.
“Stigma still exists for them where they’d almost prefer some people to not let others know because of the fear of judgment and ridicule,” Danny explains.
At Top Blokes, we help young men see that taking control of their sexual health—whether it’s wearing a condom properly, having open conversations with a partner, or getting regular checkups—is a sign of maturity, not weakness.
Who’s Teaching You About Sex—The Internet or Someone You Trust?
With social media and pornography shaping unrealistic expectations, young men often struggle to separate fact from fiction. Influencers and adult content creators push distorted ideas of relationships, leaving young men without the tools to think critically about sex.
Danny explains how we challenge this:
“We create a level of self-reflection as to why they have the perspectives they have, where they’ve come from—be it men of influence in their lives or social influence… It really opens the workshop with a bit of an icebreaker.”
A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE
By questioning their influences and having honest discussions, young men can develop healthy, informed attitudes toward sex, rather than relying on myths from the internet.
Sexual health education shouldn’t be awkward, scary, or a one-time talk. It’s about open conversations, informed decisions, and mutual respect. As Danny puts it:
“Sex is meant to be a positive experience… It’s an opportunity for deeper intimacy and connectedness.”
At Top Blokes, we’re here to help young men navigate their sexual health with confidence—because real education leads to real empowerment.
