The Condom Conundrum: Why Gen Z is Ditching Safe Sex
The Condom Conundrum: Why Gen Z is Ditching Safe Sex
Unpacking the Decline in Teen Condom Use and the Need for Modern Sex Ed
Why are Gen Z teens having less sex than previous generations — and using less protection when they do? In 2024, despite unprecedented access to information about sex, recent studies reveal a perplexing trend in adolescent sexual behavior.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released Volume 5 of its Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) report, shedding light on the sexual behaviors of 242,000 adolescents across 44 countries and regions of Europe, Central Asia, and Canada. A key finding? Condom use is declining among teens — but why?
COVID’s Impact on Safer Sex Practices
There are clear parallels between the pandemic and our approach to sex education — from media discussions on symptoms to recommendations for vaccinations, social distancing, and barriers to reduce infection. As we move past lockdowns, it’s unsurprising to see adolescent condom usage fade, too.
In the U.S., studies increasingly indicate that Gen Z is having less sex than earlier generations. Although teen sex rates have been dropping for years, some researchers suspect the pandemic accelerated this decline, attributing it to isolation and other social challenges during that time.
While it’s likely we won’t know the full scope of COVID’s impact on teen sex for years, a new study provided insight into teens’ sexual behaviors around the globe.
WHO’s Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children Report (2024)
The HBSC survey, conducted every four years, holds particular significance as the first to be completed following the pandemic. The survey investigates self-reported behaviors of adolescents aged 11, 13, and 15.
In addition to exploring sexual activity, condom use, and contraceptive pill use, the HBSC study also addressed mental health and how affluence affects access to contraceptives. However, despite the WHO’s push for more inclusive sex ed, this study primarily focuses on the gender binary, limiting insights into other gender identities and sexual orientations.
Key Findings at a Glance
High rates of unprotected sex: About 30% of boys and 31% of girls reported having sex without condoms or contraceptive pills (similar to 2018 findings)
Declining condom use: From 2014 to 2022, condom use dropped from 70% to 61% for boys and 63% to 57% for girls
Lack of awareness: Nearly one-third of adolescents who reported having sex indicated they either didn’t use a condom (30% of boys; 36% of girls), or didn’t know if they or their partner used a condom (9% of boys; 7% of girls)
Contraceptive pill use: In contrast to condom use, reports of using the contraceptive pill remained more stable between 2014 to 2022
The WHO is particularly concerned about the decline in condom use as global rates of STIs continue to rise , especially in the context of increasing drug resistance.
U.S. National Health Statistics Report (2023)
While these global findings raise eyebrows, it's important to examine how these trends manifest within specific regions.
In the United States, a 2023 National Health Statistics Report, which collected data through 2019, provides more detailed insight into the reasons why teens abstain from sex, broken down by sex:
Assigned females at birth:
“against religion or morals” (32.5%)
“haven’t found the right person yet” (25.3%)
“other reason” (16.2%)
“don’t want to get pregnant” (15.9%)
Assigned males at birth:
“haven’t found the right person yet” (35.3%)
“against religion or morals” (26.2%)
“other reason” (18.6%)
“don’t want to get a female pregnant” (11.1%)
The report also highlighted varying feelings about teens’ first sexual encounters, with some responses raising concerns about more sex ed hot topics: consent and desire.
While focused on different regions, both the U.S. National Health Statistics Report and WHO HBSC report raise important questions for sex education across the globe. These findings also highlight the crucial role of media in shaping public perception and awareness about adolescent sexual health.
The Media’s Role: A Double-Edged Sword
The WHO's press release describes the data from the HBSC survey as “alarming,” highlighting pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as “consequences” of unprotected sex. While this terminology might grab the attention of public health officials and policymakers, it can become problematic when filtered through media outlets.
In our digital age, teens are more likely to encounter these headlines on social media rather than reading the original WHO press release. News outlets, like The Guardian, VICE, The New York Post, and others, often sensationalize these findings, potentially obscuring the WHO’s ultimate call for more comprehensive sex education.
This media interpretation can actively and inadvertently perpetuate STI stigma, prioritizing increased website traffic and views. This can further deter people from seeking testing, treatment, and having open communication with their partners about their STI status (remember, we all have an STI status — whether it’s positive or negative).
This disconnect highlights a crucial challenge in sexual health communication: how do we convey urgency and importance without feeding into fear-based narratives?
Bridging Public Health and Sex Education
While public health and sex education overlap, they’re distinct fields with different approaches. I believe there’s a shared frustration that occurs when media takes research out of context, but perhaps part of the solution lies in shifting the language used to frame the initial messaging.
Given that both reputable and less credible news outlets will share these updates, these agencies often fail to frame their press releases in a way that reflects and aligns with the comprehensive sex ed they’re promoting.
Advocating for increased access to condoms and other birth control methods is crucial, in addition to more comprehensive sex ed — but it's not enough, nor is it entirely realistic.
Today’s teens need a more nuanced approach that goes beyond the standard lecture on barriers and birth control and addresses the realities of partnered sex in 2024.
Rethinking ‘Sex’
Building on WHO’s call for more comprehensive sex ed, we also need to shift our focus and language around sexual health and education, starting with the very definition of sex itself.
Perhaps researchers need to be more intentional in their research questions and the type of sex teens are having. Is it penetrative? Are they using their mouths? Are they using toys?
Today’s teens think of sex in much more broad and expansive ways than previous generations. Additionally, the labels and identities they use to define themselves are not easily represented in traditional research frameworks.
Reframing STI Tests as Self-Care
Even the most comprehensive sex education programs fail to effectively destigmatize STIs and reframe them as potential outcomes rather than shameful consequences.
Let’s use syphilis as an example. Syphilis has reached rates in the U.S. that it hasn't seen since the 1950s, increasing in all age groups including newborns. If left undetected and untreated, syphilis can lead to significant health concerns.
However, it’s crucial to emphasize that having syphilis (or any STI) doesn’t make someone a ‘bad’ person, or mean that they’ve somehow failed. This distinction is vital in reshaping how we approach STI education and testing.
With so many STIs presenting without symptoms, it’s imperative for classrooms to go beyond symptoms, stressing the importance and access to regular screenings — and actually provide practical information on where to get them. Framing STI screenings as sexual self-care can help teens overcome the initial awkwardness and resistance.
Moreover, while many programs focus on avoiding and preventing STIs, they often overlook teaching teens how to discuss their STI status with their partners. Since media and popular culture rarely provide these examples, it’s crucial to provide guidelines around various disclosure scenarios and emphasize the importance of open communication.
Ultimately, I want students to walk away from their sex ed classrooms understanding that you can both strive to avoid STIs and recognize that getting or having one doesn’t make you a failure, ‘bad’ person, or someone unworthy of love. This “both/and” approach helps to embrace a more nuanced and compassionate view of sexual health.
Updating Sex Ed for Today’s Teens
Comprehensive sex ed has a lot to cover and it can’t all be accomplished in adolescence — which is why it’s important to start early with age appropriate sex ed. For many, sex education continues throughout adulthood.
It’s not just about reducing STI transmissions and unwanted pregnancies; it’s about empowering young people to blossom in their bodies, identities, and to advocate for themselves in some of their first adult relationships.
As Dr. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, says in the press release, “Ultimately, what we are seeking to achieve for young persons is a solid foundation for life and love.”
By shifting our focus from outdated, fear-based tactics to empowering, realistic education, we can better prepare adolescents to make informed decisions about their sexual health and further promote parents and educators as sources of ongoing trust in their lives.
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