Do you need help with a problem and feel like you can't ask someone you know? Are you confused and afraid? Then perhaps you would like to contact our Agony Aunty. Send us a message and we will try to get back to you as soon as possible.

I have been dating my boyfriend for six months and he wants to take the relationship to the ‘next level’. He wants to have sex but I don’t feel comfortable with this. I am only 16 years old.

If you don’t feel comfortable, then you should definitely not go through with it. I know a lot of teens have sex when they are young and think it is ‘no big deal’, but having a sexual relationship with someone should only happen when you are able to cope with it emotionally. Being intimate with someone means giving them access to your body. That is sacred and for many girls and boys, sex is emotional. What if you have sex with him just because he wants you and then dumps you soon afterwards? You are probably going to feel betrayed and very hurt and this could lead to you then not trusting any other guys. Trust yourself.

A friend of mine’s parents just got divorced. He is really upset and sometimes he says that nobody wants him and he would be better off dead. What should I do?

Parents getting divorced is very difficult for kids to cope with. Sometimes parents fight a lot and their kids do start to feel very unwanted. But, their parents being angry at each other doesn’t mean they don’t love their kids. Talk to your friend and perhaps you should try talking to his folks too (or write them a letter if you feel better doing this). His parents are probably so busy being angry at each other that they don’t even realize what they are doing to him. Other than this, the best thing is to talk to your friend about how upset you would be if he did something bad to himself. If he is still depressed, bring it to the attention of a teacher you trust. He may be angry with you for doing this, but in the long run he may need professional help.

I know stealing is wrong but I can’t stop myself. When I go to a shop I always land up shoplifting something. I got caught once and was sent to a diversion programme but this hasn’t stopped me.

You’re right, stealing is wrong. Not only is it against the law, but it is also morally wrong. At least you recognize this. Now, get some help. Believe me, you don’t want to end up in prison. If that happens, you could come into contact with some very ‘tough’ people. Kids are meant to be kept separate in prison but the Department of Correctional Services isn’t always able to do this because of over-crowding. This often leads to children being abused by other prisoners. PLEASE stop stealing. Not only will prison life be detrimental to your well-being, but to your future. Imagine trying to get a job when you have a police record. Get help now! Talk to an adult who you can trust who can link you to a counselor or telephone Childline and ask them to link you to a counselor.