SIKAP E-News: ISSUE 2: A growing number of youth are engaging in risky behaviors without fully understanding its consequences.

[Barriers to Youth Empowerment and Well-being]

BACKGROUND ON ISSUE 2:
Increasing risky behaviors among youth

Philippines has 3.4 million drug dependents. More than half of this number belongs to the 15-27 age group. That means almost 2 million young people in this country are hooked on illegal substances—and this number continues to grow. (YAPS-NYC, 2004).
In 2002, YAFS, a comprehensive survey on Filipino youth and sex and risk behaviors revealed that (15 to 24 year-age group):

Of this, 11.8 percent of 15-to-19-year olds was sexually active
This figure is significantly higher (40 percent) among 20-to-24-year-olds
Only 21 percent practiced contraception during their first premarital sexual intercourse
A third (34.8 percent) had sex with more than one partner
Four percent (4%) approve of abortion
Almost half of youth surveyed (41 percent) were currently drinking
Twenty-one percent (21%) was currently smoking
Twelve percent (12%) have, at one time or another, thought of committing suicide

This same study showed that situations or characteristics that contribute to such risk behaviors are: low educational attainment, being out of school, and being in unstable marital conditions (such as having been separated, widowed, or in a live-in marital arrangement).

Young women (15 to 24 yrs. old) contributed to 30 percent of total fertility rate (Ericta, 2003).

Media playing a bigger role in young lives

The new “surrogate parents,” the media is fast becoming the main source of information and guide to “what is right” and “what is wrong” by the youth.

Lack of basic health services and access to health facilities that are “youth-friendly.”

There remain very few services available that provide youth with reproductive health services. FP services are limited to those who are married.

SIKAP STAND ON ISSUE 2:

National budget allocation for health should be increased to accommodate the needs of local government hospitals.
Youth should be equipped with correct information and essential life skills that will help them make responsible decisions regarding their health and sexuality
Juvenile delinquents should be given legal and societal support to help them change the course of their lives.
“Youth friendly” facilities and personnel should be made available and accessible to youth. Local health care workers should be trained and sensitized to better understand youth health issues.
Reproductive health counseling and services (contraceptives) to both married and unmarried youth should be made available.
Responsible parenthood programs should be launched in all LGUs.
Campaigns and programs with media and SK should emphasize the value of family togetherness and encourage open communication between parents and children.
Digital technology should be available to OFWs and their families so that they could keep in touch.