Taking their cue from the Teenage Pregnancy Unit, the local strategies fail to address crucial factors such as the importance of the intact family in delaying the initiation of teenage sexual activity; the role of cultural factors (including government policy) in pressurising young people into becoming sexually active; and the importance of helping young people to understand the medical, social and economic advantages of deferring the commencement of sexual activity.
A far more innovative approach is required, which addresses the real problem behind high teenage pregnancy rates and encourages abstinence from premature sexual activity.
