Sex and contraceptive use

This section covers self-reported behaviours of young people aged 15-18 years in Glasgow on sexual and emotional relationships, and contraceptive use in 2021-22. Data is derived from the Glasgow Health and Wellbeing Census 2021-22 however, only pupils in S4, S5, and S6 (aged approximatley 15-18 years) participated in relationships and sexual health questions. This accounted for 13% (3,103 pupils) of the total population of pupils surveyed. 

Among S4-S6 pupils surveyed, 14% reported they were sexually active. More than half (58%) confirmed they used contraception to prevent pregnancy the last time they had sex, and one third (31%) reported they didnt use anything. The most common form of contraceptive used was condoms (52%) followed by contraceptive pill (44%). 

When asked about their first sexual experience, less than half (41%) of pupils reported they wanted it to happen at the time while one in ten pupils (13%) reported they rather it had happened later.

When asked their age the first time they had sex, most pupils were aged 15 years (27%) and 16 years or older (26%), 20% were aged 14 years, and 15% were aged 13 years or younger. 

A high proportion (83%) of pupils said they found it easy to say 'no' to sexual experiences they don't want. 

Notes

This page was updated in May 2024.