WA school leavers warned of sexually transmitted infection increase as celebrations begin
WA leavers are ready to party after 12 years of schooling. (Supplied: Leavers WA)
In short:
WA health authorities are urging teenagers to practise safe sex as they prepare to embark on end-of-school celebrations.
They have launched a social media campaign urging students to pack and use condoms, and also get tested for sexually transmitted infections.
WA Health senior medical advisor Donna Mak has urged parents to have conversations with their children before they go away.
Health authorities are warning WA school leavers to be aware of an increase in sexually transmitted infections as they embark on end-of-school celebrations, with a surge in chlamydia predominantly affecting teenagers in the state.
The Department of Health said the celebrations could lead to increased risk-taking, such as unprotected sex and alcohol or drug use.
Ahead of Leavers, WA Health has launched a Snapchat campaign urging students to pack and use condoms, and also to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The state's Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Strategy for 2024 to 2030 identified people aged 15 to 19 as a priority population.
The latest data from the department showed chlamydia was the most prevalent STI in the state, where testing and positivity rates were highest in people aged 15 to 24 years.
Gonorrhoea notifications reached a decade high last year of 5,239.
Testing and positivity rates for gonorrhoea were highest in people aged 15 to 24 years.
The notification rate was higher in the Kimberley region than in other parts of the state.
Donna Mak, the department's senior medical advisor in the sexual health and bloodborne virus program, said the campaign focused on the risks of unsafe sex.
"It's also important for young people to be able to talk to each other about these things and to be honest and to make sure that if they are having sex, that it's consensual and it's done in a safe way," Dr Mak said.
Donna Mak is an expert in sexual health. (ABC News: Mya Kordic)
Dr Mak said the most prevalent STIs in the state were chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis.
"If we're talking about young people aged 15 to 19, chlamydia is the most common STI and so that's the one that we would advise people to get tested for and be aware of," she said.
Teens impacted by chlamydia
In 2024, there were 12,874 chlamydia notifications, and its positivity rate in the teen group increased 9 per cent from 2015.
The notification rate of chlamydia in WA was 13 per cent higher than the national rate.
Dr Mak said it was difficult to determine exactly why 15 to 19-year-olds were most impacted by chlamydia.
"They are exploring their sexuality, they may not be very experienced in negotiating safe sex with their partners," she said.
"So this is why we have the campaign, is to encourage them to speak with their partners about having safe sex.
"[It's] always better to be prepared rather than be caught without the hardware that you need to stay safe."
More education needed
School leaver Ellise Mcalinden said while her friends did talk about STIs sometimes, it would be useful to have more information about them.
"I'd like to see more [education] in the school system, teaching the younger kids, so they know it is a big deal, it is a big problem and it can affect you," she said.
"Having more posters about it or information on the leavers page, make sure you're being safe because this could happen, making it known to people."
Ellise McAlinden says more could be done to teach teenagers about STIs. (ABC News: Pip Waller)
Another leaver, Layla Pierce, said sexual health was not often discussed at her school.
"At school it wasn't about STIs, it was about keeping you safe from pregnancy," she said.
Layla Pierce says a lot of her peers underestimate how prevalent STIs are. (ABC News: Pip Waller)
"But people don't realise the extent and how common they are [STIs], a lot of people underestimate them and shove it under the rug."
Teenager Kobi Johnson said STIs were not often discussed among boys.
"It's definitely something people should be aware of but I understand it can be an awkward talking point for people," he said.
Authorities are urging teenagers to practise safe sex while celebrating the end of school. (ABC News: Pip Waller)
"It's pretty serious through. I think everyone does know the severity of it."
'Have that conversation'
WA Health advises consistent condom use during vaginal, anal or oral sex will help prevent the transmission of STIs.
The health authority has encouraged parents and caregivers to talk with their teenagers about respect and consent, as well as condoms, other forms of contraception and sexual health services available.
Dr Mak said it was important for parents or caregivers to discuss safe sex with their teenagers.
"As a parent it can be awkward and difficult to talk to your young person about having safe sex and about alcohol and drugs," she said.
"However, they would welcome it and it's a really good opportunity to have that conversation to keep your children and your young people safe."
Dr Mak said her biggest message for teenagers was to ensure they used protection for any sex and to ensure decisions were made when sober.
"When you come back from [leavers], if you've had unsafe sex, get an STI test and there's free testing online that you can get from the Get the Facts site," she said.
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