38 pc youth 'learn about sex from friends'

"The fact that parents are not engaging with their children on sex education is of great concern," News24 quoted International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) director general Tewodros Melesse as saying in a statement.

"Young people need responsible and reliable sources of such information to be properly educated," Melesse said.

The survey, which was conducted on 7,662 people between 16 to 24-year old, and 25 to 34-year olds, found that 38 percent of youth had friends as the primary source of information about sex.

19 percent learnt about sex through television and other media, 18 percent through school, 14 percent through the internet, and only 4 percent through their families.

"We really need families to teach young people about sex, sexual health and responsible behaviour," Melesse said.

"Not speaking about it within the family actually increases the risks rather than preventing them," Melesse added.