"The fact is that young people are going to have sex whether you like it or not"

Emma Thompson’s blunt observation pierces through moralism to confront a stubborn reality: adolescent sexuality exists whether adults sanction it or not. Treating sex as an inevitability is not an endorsement of risky behavior; it’s an invitation to shift from control to care. When adults cling to denial, via silence, shame, or abstinence-only messaging, young people do not stop exploring. They simply do so with less information, less confidence, and fewer safeguards.

Acknowledging youth agency reframes the adult role from gatekeeper to guide. That means providing comprehensive, age-appropriate education about bodies, boundaries, consent, contraception, and sexually transmitted infection prevention. It also means demystifying emotional dimensions, pressure, desire, rejection, and recovery, so teens can recognize manipulation and seek respect. Evidence consistently shows that practical, honest instruction delays first sex for many, reduces unplanned pregnancy and STIs, and improves communication. The alternative, fear-based warnings and moral panic, feeds secrecy and shame.

The statement also calls for cultural honesty. Many societies commodify sexuality while demanding innocence from young people, creating hypocrisy that leaves them unprepared. Open conversations at home and in schools normalize questions, correct myths, and model how to negotiate safety and pleasure with mutual respect. In a digital world, this includes media literacy about pornography, sexting, and online boundaries.

Equity matters, too. Queer, trans, disabled, and marginalized youth often receive less relevant information and face higher risks. Inclusive education signals that every young person deserves tools to protect their health and dignity.

At its core, the argument is harm reduction: you cannot legislate desire out of existence, but you can reduce harm by meeting reality with compassion and facts. Adults don’t cede values by being honest; they embody them, care, responsibility, and respect, helping young people build relationships grounded in consent, empathy, and autonomy.