A shocking new report has revealed a significant decline in condom use among Canadian youth, highlighting the urgent need for effective safe-sex education in the country. The study, commissioned by the charity LetsStopAIDS and conducted by Angus Reid, surveyed over 1,100 Canadians aged 18 to 24 and yielded concerning results.

Only 24% of participants admitted to using condoms "all the time," a steep drop from 53% reported in 2020. Alarmingly, one in five young Canadians reported never having used a condom at all. This raises serious questions about the sexual health and behaviors of youth in Canada.

The data also shows a worrying increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with 6% of respondents indicating they had been diagnosed with an STI or HIV in the past six months – an increase of 2% from 2023. Even more troubling, about 70% of sexually active youth who faced challenges negotiating condom use did not seek help or guidance.

Shamin Mohamed Jr., founder and president of LetsStopAIDS, emphasizes the critical need for open discussions about condom use and its role in preventing STIs and HIV. He points to outdated sex education curriculums and a lack of communication from health-care providers about HIV testing as major barriers.

The topic of sex education has become a contentious political issue across Canada. In provinces like Alberta, proposals requiring parental consent for students to participate in sex-ed classes have sparked intense debate. Mohamed Jr. argues that current curriculums fail to cover essential subjects such as consent, gender equity, women's health, sexting, and privacy protection. "These crucial discussions are necessary to empower youth with the knowledge they need for safer sexual practices," he asserts.

Further supporting these findings, a recent World Health Organization report indicated a declining trend in contraceptive use among young people globally. In Canada, the Public Health Agency reported a staggering 25% rise in first-time HIV diagnoses in 2022 compared to the previous year, underscoring the critical need for change.

Mohamed Jr. confidently states, "Young people are going to continue to have sex. It is vital that we equip them with accurate information and resources to make safe choices."

As these alarming statistics come to light, the call for comprehensive, engaging, and up-to-date sex education in Canadian schools has never been more urgent. Without immediate action, this downward trend could lead to dire consequences for the sexual health of future generations.