Giving young people effective sex and relationship education is essential if they are to make responsible, well-informed decisions, one expert has said.

According to the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) introducing classes to tackle these topics in school will reduce the rate of teenage pregnancy and STIs "rather than encourage sexual activity".

Figures provided by sexual health charity Brook have highlighted the fears surrounding teenage promiscuity, with people often over-egging the problem.

Research conducted by the charity found that 95 per cent of people over-estimated the rate of under-16s getting pregnant each year.

Furthermore, just five per cent were able to provide a close estimate of the teenage pregnancy rate, which is, in fact, less than one per cent.

A spokesperson for the DCSF said: "Effective sex and relationship education is essential if young people are to make responsible and well informed decisions about their lives.

"It should teach young people to understand human sexuality and to respect themselves and others. It enables young people to mature, to build their confidence and self-esteem and understand the reasons for delaying sexual activity."

A recent survey by the Office for National Statistics found that women are in the large majority aware of the risks of unprotected sex and taking steps to avoid these pitfalls.

The study found that in 2007/08, three-quarters of women in the 16-49 age group reported using some form of contraception, with 28 per cent of women using the pill, compared with 24 per cent who relied on the male condom.

Only one quarter of women said they did not use any form of contraception in 2007/08, with the most common reason being that they were not in a heterosexual relationship (14 per cent).

Another three per cent said they were not using any contraception – because they wanted to get pregnant.

The government is keen to ensure that it builds on these positive attitudes and instills good sexual sense in the next generation of adults.

A spokesperson for the DCSF said: "Rather than encouraging sexual activity, good sexual relation education can drive down teenage pregnancy rates and STIs.

"The government sees education as key to supporting young people to avoid teenage pregnancy, STIs, drug and alcohol misuse."