A complete guide to talking condoms with young people

If you work with young people, you’ve probably had the condom conversation at some point.

Condoms are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies. But despite how important they are, many young people still feel awkward or embarrassed bringing them up. That’s exactly where you come in.

You don’t need to be a sexual health expert. You just need to know the facts, clear up the confusion, drop the shame, and help make the whole topic feel normal. That’s what this guide is here to do — to give you the tools to talk condoms with confidence.

Step 1: Know the facts about condoms

You don’t have to know everything about condoms — but feeling confident with the basics helps you speak with clarity. Let’s start with a quick refresher:

• Condoms prevent STIs and unplanned pregnancy: When used correctly, external condoms (the ones that go over a penis) are around 98% effective at preventing unplanned pregnancy and reducing the risk of STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, and syphilis
• They’re not all the same: Most people know about external condoms, but internal condoms (which go inside the vagina or anus) are another option. There are also latex-free condoms for people with allergies or sensitivities, and flavoured ones for oral sex. And of course, there’s plenty of different sizes available too, meaning ‘it doesn’t fit’ is never an excuse
• Condoms are easy to find: Free condoms are available at sexual health clinics, youth health clinics, some youth services and through the Freedom Condom program. Condoms can also be bought at pharmacies, supermarkets, and petrol stations. As a professional working with young people, you can order 144 free condoms every month for your service through Play Safe Pro’s Condom Ordering Tool. More details on that below.

Step 2: Bust the myths

Young people can be bombarded with misinformation — on social media, in peer groups, and sometimes even just old-school myths that never seem to disappear. That’s why one of the most helpful things you can do is bust the myths before they become beliefs.

Here are a few of the most common condom-related myths and how you can counteract them. And remember, how you respond matters just as much as what you say. Keep it simple, factual, and shame-free.

Try: “Good question—lots of people think that, but here’s the truth…” or “Yeah, I’ve heard that one too. But actually…”

• MYTH: Condoms ruin the mood.
  FACT: With so many sizes, textures, and even flavours, condoms can actually enhance the experience. And knowing you’re protected can make sex more relaxed and enjoyable.
• MYTH: You don’t need condoms if you’re on the pill.
  FACT: The pill doesn’t protect against STIs. It can also be less effective in preventing pregnancy if pills are missed, or if someone’s been sick or on certain medications.
• MYTH: Condoms don’t fit me.
  FACT: Not true. Condoms come in a range of sizes and stretch to fit pretty much everyone.
• MYTH: Condoms break easily.
  FACT: They’re strong and stretchy. Breaks usually happen due to incorrect use — like air bubbles or contact with sharp nails or jewellery, or even when the condom is expired.

Step 3: Start the conversation

For most professionals, this is the trickiest part. You don’t want to overstep, but you also don’t want to miss a moment to educate or support. The goal? Make the conversation with the young people you’re working with feel safe, respectful, and totally normal.

Here are a few opening lines you might want to try. Remember to adapt for your specific context.

• “Just so you know, we’ve got free condoms here if you ever need them. And, if you want to talk through how to use them or which kind to choose, we can do that too.”
• “Lots of people feel a bit awkward talking about condoms — but they’re actually one of the easiest ways to look after your sexual health. Did you have any questions?”
• “You might know the condom basics already, but there are some common myths out there. Did you want to talk through the must-knows.”

It’s not about giving a sex ed lecture — it’s about creating a safe space for young people to ask questions if they have them.

Step 4: Use games to get over the awkwardness

Are things still feeling awkward? That’s where games, activities, and hands-on tools can help, especially with the younger people you work with. The good news is that we’ve got a huge range of resources you can use with groups or one-on-one. These include:

• The condom card game: A quick and fun way to explore common myths and facts
• Condom couture: Use condoms (and some creativity) to make a (fashion) statement
• Condom demonstrations: Show young people how to correctly use a condom
• Condom games: Icebreakers and activities that make it easier to talk about safe sex

These tools help use play to break the ice, normalise the conversation about condoms and safe sex, and make sure the information sticks.

Step 5: Give out free condoms

Cost, embarrassment, and access can all be barriers to young people using condoms. By offering free condoms in a visible, no-fuss way, you can help remove those barriers and normalise safer sex.

Through Play Safe Pro’s Condom Ordering Tool, you can order 144 condoms every month for your service to distribute to young people. Stock up on condoms here.

We hope that this article has helped increase confidence when it comes to chatting all things condoms with young people. The Play Safe Pro Condom Protocol gives even more information, covering everything your service might need to know, including:

• Legal considerations for giving out free condoms in your service
• Common questions and concerns
• How to use condoms (instructions to share with young people)
• And much more.

Download the Play Safe Pro Condom Protocol.

Wrapping up

You don’t need to be a sexual health expert to talk about condoms—you just need to be approachable, informed, and ready to create space for open conversations.

By keeping condoms visible and easy to access, clearing up the common myths, and using the right tools and resources, you’re helping make safer sex a normal part of life for young people.