Info For Grown Ups
A Word to teachers, parents, and other interested adults.
The Word started life as a multi-media campaign that included an 0800-telephone information line, a thirty two page booklet and radio advertising. When more than 100,000 young people called in just three months, it was obvious that teenagers had a great need for information on sexuality. There was also a huge response to the booklet both through the telephone line, Tearaway magazine and in response to a television commercial screened subsequently. In three years more than 70,000 booklets have been distributed throughout New Zealand.
The Word has been recognised with two awards. In 1995 it won a gold award from the Direct Marketing Association for the best Direct Response Multi-Media consumer campaign and in 1996 it won the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Vision 2000 Award.
The booklet covers most aspects of sexuality in an unbiased, accurate way. It encourages young people to think about the decisions that have to be made in the area of sexual health and is honest about the possible consequences.
The second edition of the booklet and this Web site have been updated after extensive independent evaluation and review with young people and the adults who work with them. A section on alcohol and drugs has been added in recognition of the effect of substance use on sexual decision making.
Young people have said that The Word is straight to the point, easy to read and that they particularly like the dictionary at the back. The independent evaluation found the booklet to be `a valuable and useful sexuality education resource for youth'.
The Word gives young people, especially of secondary school age, information about sex and sexuality so that they can make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
The printed edition is available from the Family Planning Resource Unit and FPA Centres throughout New Zealand.
Educators
Teachers' notes for use with the Web site are available on the site. The Word is free and copies can be ordered from the Family Planning Resource Unit.
A number of other resources can also be ordered from the Web site including Family Planning's international award winning resources.
Parents
If you wish to find out more about other FPA resources to help you to talk with your children about sex and sexuality go to the Family Planning Resource Unit.
The Word is one of many resources produced by FPA. Some of our free pamphlets and booklets can now be seen on the Web. The books and resources can be ordered by visiting the Family Planning Online Shop
If you would like to order a copy of the printed version of The Word click here.
Words about The Word
'A great resource for young people becoming aware of their own sexuality. The positive messages will promote a healthy view of sexuality in youth'.
Annette Milligan
National President
New Zealand Association for
Adolescent Health and Development
'Wonderful piece of work, colourful, entertaining and full of great information. Inclusive of race and sexual identity. Well done!'
Leah Cowley and Matthew Vaea
Directors - Family Life Education Pasefika
'We are pleased to write in support of the publication "The Word". The need for youth focused information has never been higher.
Effective delivery of relevant relationship, sexuality and other personal issues information plus where to go for assistance is vital so that young people are informed.
With useful information comes potential for meaningful decisions. "The Word" is an excellent resource for young people'.
Stephen Bell
Director -Youthline
'As with other FPA resources, this one demonstrates the commitment your organisation has to making accurate information available for young people in New Zealand. The new section acknowledging the increased risks associated with alcohol and other drug consumption is particularly appropriate in line with the current ALAC campaign focusing on binge drinking by young people. Research carried out earlier this year on ALACís behalf found that 1 teenager in 8 had ended up in sexual situations they were unhappy about after drinking.
You are to be commended on a timely resource for young people. The style indicates that young people have been widely consulted during the development of ěThe Wordî. My best wishes for its distribution'.
Sandra Kirby
Manager Southern Region
Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand
'The material is straight forward and informative, and encourages young people to be responsible and make their own decisions about their actions. The information is presented in a factual manner and is not designed to sexually titillate the reader. The tone of the material is non-judgemental and does not strongly push any particular ideology or viewpoint. The language used is easy to understand and is aimed at a youth market'.
Lois Hutchinson
Deputy Chief Censor of Film and Literature
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