More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Kent has seen a big drop in the number of teenage girls becoming pregnant, according to new figures.
The number of conceptions among 15 to 17 year olds in the county fell by almost a third to 725 in 2012 - down from more than 1,050 in 2007.
And the last year of those figures has seen a drop in the number of conceptions per 1,000 from 31 to 25.9.
In some areas of Kent, the number of teenage girls having babies has dropped by half in recent years - with conception levels now below the national average.
Graham Gibbens, Kent County Council cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said: "These figures are good news for Kent and show that the approach that we have taken in the county is proving effective.
"As with many of our efforts in public health, results are best understood over the long term, as the combination of education and advice is never about short term fixes, but change to attitudes and assumptions.
"We will carry on working with schools, with our partners Kent Community Health NHS Trust, and with others to keep going with this downward trend.
"I am very conscious that we need to avoid any complacency and remember that every year there will be young people who will benefit from information and advice."
Ruth Herron, head of sexual health at Kent Community Health NHS Trust, said: "We're delighted to be a part of this tremendous success story here in Kent.
"Our clinic and outreach teams work with the most vulnerable young people to ensure that they get the information, support and advice they need to make the right choices.
"Our successful Kent 'C Card' scheme promotes both knowledge and safe sex, supported by a mobile phone app, which as far as we know is the only one in the UK.
"Unwanted teenage pregnancy is related to health issues such as low birth weight and birth complications, as well as being a factor in future economic and social problems, which is why these figures are so welcome."
Meradin Peachey, KCC director of public health, said: "In Kent, we are trying to provide an environment where young people can make healthy choices for their futures, whether it be education, apprenticeships, jobs, mental well-being, sport, physical activity, youth services, accessible sexual health services, safe streets, or support for home life when needed.
"All of these have an impact on teenage pregnancies."
