Telly Talk: Channel Four’s new youth advice show, a mixture of Embarrassing Bodies and The Sex Education Show called The Joy of Teen Sex, is described by the channel as ‘a bold, informative look at the love lives and sex lives of teenagers that tells it like it really is’.

Well you can say that again.

So far we have seen intimate male piercings, unwanted pregnancies and strange phobias. I think the producers may need a dictionary if they think this programme displays any form of joy, unless of course they are being sarcastic. In my opinion, this show tries too hard to entertain; there is no element of seriousness and certainly no mention of love.

The show’s A Team is made up of Dr Rachael Jones, social worker Ruth Corden and ‘sexpert’ Joanne Wierzbicka. Teenagers with any issues related to sex head to the Sex Advice Shop and talk it out with the so-called experts. “You are completely normal” is the standard reply to most worried youngsters. I’m assuming these teens are fine with having their faces spread across national television with their dignity less than intact, but for me the situation would be a complete nightmare.

Meanwhile the show’s reporter, 18-year-old Billie JD Porter is on hand to explore pretty much anything, with no holds barred. Last night she pretended to be a schoolgirl for what she could only describe as ‘perverts’ on a website where people pay to watch others on webcams. She was trying to make the point that young people are influenced to ‘perform’ for money. What an unfair portrayal! We are certainly not all that naive.

Channel Four have said that the programme is not just for teenagers, although I highly doubt that many older people tune in due to the show’s vulgarity.

I have read reviews from lots of young people who rate the show as valuable and honest. Fair enough, but I’d just make sure that you are not in the living room whilst eating dinner with your parents.

By Gabrielle Hyde