CHILDREN looking for information about sex are being let down by their parents, according to a new survey.

Research has shown that parents in the North are the worst in the country when it comes to talking about sex - with some opting to give the whole subject a miss.

Experts claim the end result could be to hamper efforts to reduce the rate of teenage pregnancies, currently way above average in places like Wear Valley, Easington, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool.

The survey for family planning charity Marie Stopes International claims that 32 per cent of parents in the North lack confidence in talking about sex to their children, compared to a national average of ten per cent.

Dr Kate Gillen, behavioural sciences lecturer at Teesside University, said some studies showed that talking to children about sex and relationships reduced the age of their first sexual experience.

She said: "If there is one theme that is crucially important it is communicating with young people about sex, not only the mechanics but also focusing on relationships.

"But there is still an embarrassment about sex which prevents children and parents from talking openly."

Martine Yates, project leader at Hartlepool's B76 advice centre, said many youngsters who arrive at the centre are looking for information about sex.

She said: "Young people do need support around these issues. Parents have to listen but you can't just blame the parents because they may not have had the education themselves."

Dr Stewart Findlay, a Bishop Auckland GP and member of the Dales Primary Care Group, said parents and schools should share some responsibility for talking to young people about sex.

"Parents need to be taught how to speak to their children about sex, although sometimes children don't listen to their parents anyway," he said.

"Parents do have a role to play and we need to help them communicate more openly."