Young people can feel confused, anxious and pressurised over sex – particularly as many choose friends or the media as their main sources of information.
Talking to teens about this subject is awkward but also important; surveys show that those who are well informed about issues such as the dangers of unprotected sex and the importance of speaking out when you feel uncomfortable, will take fewer risks and experiment at a less early age. One way to start the conversation is through film. Using the characters and situations in a movie provides young people with a way of discussing tricky topics without feeling intimidated.
To help you pick the right one for your pupils, the education charity FILMCLUB has highlighted groups of films on its website – each accompanied by a synopsis and recommended age – that explore risky behavior around sex and other related themes. The movies are available free to FILMCLUB members, and we’ve chosen three of the best especially for Teach Secondary, with discussion points and review starters.
FILMCLUB Recommends…
The Breakfast Club, (1985, 15)
Essential drama as a socially disparate group of high school teens spend their Saturday detention growing toward each other.
Discussion Points:
1. What did you make of each of the characters? Were they realistic? Which character do you think is the most trouble?
2. The group talks a lot about sex and losing their virginity. Why do you think some of them find it embarrassing to be a virgin, and lie about it?
3. The characters discuss various pressures they feel they are under, in particular the pressure to lose their virginity; do you think most young people feel this way?
Review Starter
The pressures of teenage life discussed in this 80s classic will still ring true for an audience today…
Easy A (2010, 15)
Provocative high school comedy that is as smart as it is funny.
Discussion Points:
1. How is sex portrayed in the film? What are the different viewpoints expressed by different groups?
2. Olive’s parents seem to have a fairly relaxed approach to her behaviour compared to some of her school friends? Do you think it’s realistic?
3. Olive is judged for having sex, whilst the boys she’s supposed to have relationships with aren’t. Why are boys and girls treated differently when it comes to this issue?
Review Starter
Easy A is a clever comedy that examines the way rumours and gossip get out of control, especially when talking about sex…
Electrick Children (2012, 12)
Quirky drama about a fifteen year-old girl who has been raised in a closed Mormon community.
Discussion Points:
1. How have some of the aspects of Rachel’s upbringing left her vulnerable? What advice/information would you give her?
2. Rachel thinks she becomes pregnant by listening to a music cassette. What other myths have you heard about sex?
3. Do you think film makes it clear who the father of Rachel’s baby is? What do you think of the way this is handled?
Review Starter
The discoveries made in this quirky coming of age drama raise interesting questions about the modern world and our attitudes to sex…
Take it further
Sign up to FILMCLUB and enjoy sharing great movies with your students for free! There are thousands to choose from, grouped by age and topic, encompassing everything from food to fascism and Shakespeare to superheroes. Pupils can develop their critical and literacy skills by writing reviews, and participate in competitions, live webcasts with filmmakers, and other inspiring activities. To find out more or register, visit filmclub.org, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 0207 288 4520.
