How television constructs sex – an evolving case study of a prime time sex series

By Dr Petra | Published: 7 February, 2010
This is a longer blog than usual that tracks my observations over the past few weeks a TV series I’ve been involved with. It looks at how ‘sex’ is framed for prime time television, and discusses whether our current approach to sex programming may not be presenting sex in accurate or informative ways. Read more
Posted in Case studies, Celebrity, Sex education, Surveys/questionnaires, Television | Comments closed

Why ‘coulda, shoulda, woulda’ doesn’t work in sex education (whatever age you are)

By Dr Petra | Published: 5 February, 2010
The very wonderful Heather Corinna of Scarleteen (one of the best sex education sites imho) has a thought provoking piece about the kind of messaging we use in sex education. Entitled 'You should wait for sex, but if you can't...' it tackles some of the problematic issues that arise when we talk about sex. Things that are often meant in a well-meaning fashion but which can lead to confusion, mixed messaging and sex negative undertones. Read more
Posted in Sex education, Sex positive, Sex tips/advice | Comments closed

Teaching abstinence makes teens delay sex? Here’s the evidence behind the media hype

By Dr Petra | Published: 2 February, 2010
In the news today is coverage of research suggesting abstinence-based sex education leads to children delaying sex and is better than other approaches to sex ed. But is this what the study actually found? Here’s the low down on the paper and what the findings really mean for sex education. Read more
Posted in RCTs, Religion/faith, Research, Sex education | Comments closed

Reflections from a month on Twitter

By Dr Petra | Published: 1 February, 2010
I’ve been using Twitter for the past month. I wasn’t sure about it, but have generally found the experience to be good. Here are some of the things I’ve learned, and my plans for using Twitter in the future. Read more
Posted in Activism and Open Access, Review(s) | Comments closed

Sex and relationships education guidance. Consultation launched today – have your say!

By Dr Petra | Published: 25 January, 2010
A new consultation is launched today to gather ideas about how we'll teach sex and relationships education in the UK. Read on for ideas about how to have your say. Read more
Posted in Sex education | Comments closed

TV company make some changes to a sex survey, but not enough to make it useful and unbiased

By Dr Petra | Published: 22 January, 2010
It's pretty common for journalists to throw together slapdash surveys to inform or underpin stories/programmes. And it's equally common for social scientists like me to be irritated by this bad practice. Usually feedback to improve surveys is ignored, but here's an example where it seems like journalists did pay attention - and improved their practice. Read more
Posted in Surveys/questionnaires, Television | Comments closed

Journalists who run bad and biased surveys beware! Your audience is starting to speak out against shoddy practice

By Dr Petra | Published: 21 January, 2010
A UK television show has been caught out running a dodgy survey. This blog talks about why the survey was duff, the ramifications of such bad research, and explains how such slipshod practice is very easily avoided. Read more
Posted in Breasts, Surveys/questionnaires, Television | Comments closed

BBC2 Horizon, ‘Pill Poppers’ (and the medicalisation of sex)

By Dr Petra | Published: 19 January, 2010
Most of us take pills fairly regularly - maybe a paracetemol for a headache, the contraceptive pill to manage your fertility, or an anti depressant. Pill use is common and this week BBC2's Horizon investigates the drugs we take and how much we need them. Read more
Posted in Medicalisation | Comments closed

Whether tomorrow’s a Blue Monday or a Happy Monday it’s still only all about PR

By Dr Petra | Published: 17 January, 2010
You might be familiar with 'Blue Monday', but you might not know the whole story. Read on for a depressing tale of fake formula, unscrupulous PR, bad journalism and self promotion. Read more
Posted in Formula | Comments closed

Where to get advice about your sexual, reproductive or relationship health

By Dr Petra | Published: 15 January, 2010
Many of us need advice or help with our sex or relationships health. That might mean an STI test, advice on contraception, or help with addressing sex or relationship problems. It can be confusing to know where to go and ask for advice, so this guide outlines where you can get help along with resources to help yourself. Read more
Posted in (In)fertility, Abortion/TOP, Condom(s), Contraception, Health/care, Reproductive health, Sex tips/advice, Sexually transmitted infection(s) | Comments closed