young people explain why the age of first sexual intercourse is falling in France

The first report came later, a first since the 1970s, according to the Inserm study on the sexuality of young French people published on Wednesday. Franceinfo gave a voice to young men and young women.

Less sexual relations, more relationships via the internet and greater fluidity regarding sexual orientation: this sums up young French people in the Inserm study published Wednesday November 13. This is the fourth study of its kind which focuses on the sexuality of the French. For the first time since the 1970s, it shows in particular that the age of first intercourse is increasing. Franceinfo tried to understand this phenomenon by asking young men and women the question.

The trend is also observed in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the United States, the age of “the first time” is increasing. Emeye, 18, is very surprised. “I thought they were more liberated and more supportive with their sexuality today, but maybe they are more aware and careful.” Barbara believes that young people are more educated on these issues. “Especially with the networks, Tik Tok, Instagram, all the movements on sexual violence too, I think it’s scary. So, you pay a little more attention to yourself.”

Another explanation put forward by the co-authors of the study: Covid and its impact on social relationships, or even the degraded mental health among these young people. Young people who do not turn away from sexuality. They know more sexual partners compared to the last study in 2006 with seven partners among women aged 18-29, and eleven among men of the same age.

Above all, sexuality is questioned more openly today. “It’s true that there are times when I asked myself whether I wouldn’t like girls”confides Marine, 22 years old, who adds that “Until we try everything, I guess we can't really know.” Among 18-29 year olds, 32% of women and 14% of men say they have felt attraction to a person of the same sex. This is the “most fluid” age group in terms of sexual orientation.

“It’s much less stigmatizing to have certain sexualities today than it was in previous decadesconfirms Nathalie Bajos, sociologist and research director at Inserm. There is a general movement towards more equality and that necessarily translates into sexuality.”

“Ultimately, what happens in sexuality is only a reflection of what happens in other social spheres. Sexual practices are practices that are eminently socially constructed.”

Nathalie Bojos, sociologist and research director at Inserm

at franceinfo

As our society is now connected, sex life also involves technology: more than a third of 18-29 year olds have already sent an intimate image, compared to less than 20% of the rest of the population. Nearly 40% of young people have even met a sexual partner online.