ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the STAGE framework and shows how this relates to sex and gender. It addresses gender identity, early sexual relationships, digital romance, contraception, gay, lesbian, and bi-sexual relationships, sex and the law. The chapter explains with some tips to address the fears and anxieties of both parents and teenagers. The less positive aspects of the digital world included feeling pressured to do things or be intimate when that felt uncomfortable; 25 percent of girls and 10 percent of boys reported having this experience. Parents need to make sure boys have the right information about contraception and about sexually transmitted infections. Teenagers who think they may be gay, lesbian, or bi-sexual struggle to find support, and often feel isolated and alone. As far as the age of consent is concerned, the law protects children until they are considered old enough to make their own decisions about sex.
