Pat's Answer

Hi there, we appreciate you writing to us here at Ask Pat.

You have questions around sex and oral sex. You are wondering which is more important.

It is only natural that questions around sexual activity may arise for any young person. It can be difficult to source accurate information and find all the answers. It is important that you get your information from a reliable source.

Maybe a situation you find yourself in, has this on your mind. You have the right to know that the legal age for sexual activity in Ireland, is 17. You have the right to talk about sex and relationships with the adults you trust. It is adults like your parents and teachers, who’s responsibility it is, to ensure that you have support around these questions.

Would there be someone or somewhere you usually go to, to find out information around questions that you have? Sometimes it might be someone close to us or it may be a book or a website. An important website to look up before you make any decisions about sexual activity is www.B4UDecide.ie. Another website which you may find helpful is www.SpunOut.ie. They have lots of information on all the experiences young people go through growing up. You can find their articles on sex and relationships here www.spunout.ie/category/sex-relationships. There are also some articles on the Childline website which you may like to look at www.childline.ie/sexuality-and-relationships/.

The Childline Team are here to listen to you day and night. You can always have a further chat about all this with us by free-phone at 1800 66 66 66, by text at 50101, or by web chat through www.childline.ie.  The services are free, confidential, non-judgmental and a safe place to talk about anything that is going on for you. We would love to hear from you!

Take Care,

Pat