May 28, 2026 — 12:31pmSexual health education is failing to meet the needs of young Australians, leaving them at risk of misinformation and poor outcomes, according to a national study by La Trobe University.The findings of the largest study of teenage sexual health found that condom use was at its lowest recorded level since 1992, with one in 10 sexually active teens now using the withdrawal method as a form of contraception, and only half using a condom – despite more than 80 per cent having access to condoms the last time they had sex.Many teenagers are learning about sex online instead of via effective parental and school education, according to a new study. iStockProfessor Jennifer Power led the study, which surveyed almost 4400 secondary school students aged 14 to 18 and found that half of all respondents were sexually active, most commonly after turning 15.Power said the Australian Survey of Secondary Students and Sexual Health showed that sexual education was lacking, and that more needed to be done to provide teenagers with information.“The intricacies of sex are really difficult to discuss, but they’re the things young people want to learn about,” Power said.“It’s in this context that we shouldn’t be surprised many young people turn to porn – they are curious to know what sex looks like.”While almost all students said they had received relationship and sexuality education at school, only 45 per cent said they found the information to be relevant.Less than half (44 per cent) of students said they had learned where to get practical support for sexual issues.Findings of the long-term study, released on Thursday, also revealed that Australian teenagers were experiencing high levels of intimate partner violence from a young age.Almost one in five (18 per cent) of teenagers said they had experienced physical violence at the hands of a partner, while more than a third (37 per cent) said they had felt scared of or frightened by someone they were in a relationship with.Despite the concerning aspects of the report, Power said there were some reassuring findings.Of those adolescents who were sexually active, 75 per sent said their most recent sexual experience was enjoyable, and 85 per cent said it was safe.More than half of the teenagers surveyed (61 per cent) said they had been in a romantic relationship that lasted more than three months.More to comeGet the day’s breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. Sign up to receive our Evening Edition newsletter.Bridie Smith is an education reporter at The Age. A former desk editor, she has also reported on science and consumer affairs.Connect via X, Facebook or email.From our partners