Tips for teenage pregnancy

• Let them know where they can go for help and support about sex, relationships and information on sexually transmitted diseases, such as Brook.

• It‘s a good idea to find out about family planning and young people’s services in your area. You can then mention these in passing or put a list or phone number up somewhere or hand one over.

• If your daughter becomes pregnant or your son tells you his girlfriend might be pregnant, it is important that they get help in making choices about what to do next. Even if you are shocked and upset by the news, try to be as calm and as supportive as possible. Showing you are there to help will be enough to reassure them and give them the strength to face an uncertain future. Let them know you are on their side.

•  You can suggest they go for a free pregnancy test at their local Brook or family planning clinic and from most GPs where they will also get lots of advice and information on their options. You can offer to go with them, but don’t feel rejected if they refuse.

• It is a good time for fathers to talk to their sons about the need to respect girls and to think about their responsibilities around contraception and safe sex. Boys really appreciate having this kind of talk and relationship with their dads. Research shows that boys can become much more confident about their future relationships if they can talk to their dad as well as their mum.

• Talk to your teenagers about the risks and troubles that can happen in they are drunk or take drugs. Sex under the influence is something that has occurred in every generation. Try to bring it up casually, perhaps in relation to something you are watching on TV together.