Essex Sexual Health Service, delivered by Provide Community and commissioned by Essex County Council, is marking Sexual Health Week 2025 next week (Monday 15 to Sunday21 September), with a focus on digital wellbeing, consent, and supporting young people in an increasingly online world.
This year’s national theme, “Chronically Online”, explores how the internet, and digital culture, has reshaped how young people view sex, relationships, and identity. From dating apps and social media pressures to misinformation and deepfakes, online life has blurred the lines between fact and fiction, privacy and exposure.
Sexual Health Week 2025 – Chronically Online
As part of the campaign, Essex Sexual Health Service will be visiting colleges and universities across Essex throughout the week to open up conversations with students around how real-life intimate relationships may differ from the pornographic content they see online. The aim is to promote realistic expectations, challenge harmful myths, and provide a safe space for questions around sex, safety and consent.
Essex Sexual Health Service is encouraging parents, carers, and professionals to join two free online sessions designed to help adults understand and support young people facing these challenges.
Free virtual awareness sessions – open to Essex residents and professionals working with young people
Talking Safety: Empowering Young People
Wednesday 17 September 2025 – 6:30pm to7:30pm
– For parents, carers, and anyone working with young people in Essex
– Delivered by Essex Sexual Health Service in partnership with Risk in the Community
– Register by clicking here
Know the Online Risks (with The Two Johns)
Thursday 18 September 2025 – 8pm to 9:30pm
– For all parents, carers and professionals supporting young people across Essex
– Register by clicking here
Young people today are navigating a digital world that moves fast and isn’t always safe. This year’s campaign is a call to action for adults to:
Recognise how online content can influence attitudes around sex and consent.
