New research by HIV Scotland has shown the lack of knowledge Scottish school pupils have around the condition
School pupils have pleaded for an increase in sex education, as common misconceptions around HIV remain.
Research by HIV Scotland has shown that two 15 to 25 year olds are diagnosed with the condition every month.
And a study by the charity of over 2,500 students revealed that more than half who responded (57%) said they were not participating in sexual health lessons.
A third of youngsters said they were unaware of how to minimise their risk of HIV, with 22% claiming that lessons do not provide enough information on how to minimise the risk of HIV.
And worryingly, 15% of students said they did not know anything about HIV transmission and prevention, with 27% believing that HIV could be transmitted through kissing, 45% through spitting and 34% through toilet seats.
Nathan Sparling, head of policy and campaigning at HIV Scotland, said the research proved the need for better sex education.
He said: “This is the largest survey of young people in Scotland, specifically focused on their experiences of sexual health education in schools. We heard from 2,806 students from Orkney to Dumfries & Galloway and right across the central belt. It shows that students in Scotland need and want better sexual health education, that informs them about the modern day realities of HIV and how to prevent it.
“Let’s be clear, HIV cannot be transmitted through spitting, kissing or toilet seats. When people living with HIV are on effective treatment, the virus is reduced to such a low level in their body that they are not able pass the virus on to others. These facts should be used to inform new generations about HIV, challenging stigma at the same time.”
Alice Ferguson MSYP, convener of the Scottish Youth Parliament's health and wellbeing committee, called for changes to be made to the way the subject is taught. She said: “It’s clear from this report that there is a poor understanding among young people of HIV, which is vital if they are to protect themselves and others from contracting and transmitting the disease.
“From our work at the Scottish Youth Parliament, we know that there is a strong desire among Scotland’s young people for improved, and more comprehensive, PSHE at school which must be up-to-date and taught at all stages during secondary education, from S1 to S6. This latest research from HIV Scotland suggests this is something which needs to be addressed sooner rather than later."
The Scottish Government said relationships, sexual health and parenthood education are an integral part of the curriculum.
A spokesman said: "To help local authorities and schools best deliver it to pupils we are conducting a national review of personal and social education that will improve their learning experience and make it more relevant to their lives.
“In addition all schools across Scotland will soon be able to access a new web-based teaching resource, developed by a partnership of health boards and local authorities, that will provide information on healthy relationships and issues affecting young people, including sexually transmitted infections such as HIV.”
