Sex education - talking to teenagers

Many parents and carers feel shy about broaching the topic of sex with their children. Some prefer to stay silent, and assume their children will pick up what they need to know from school and the media. Others believe that telling children about sex will encourage sexual experimentation. In fact, a teenager needs to be informed if they are to act responsibly and safely. Talking about sex is easier if the topic has been discussed with the child from an early age, and the lines of communication are already open. However, it is never too late to start. Books may be helpful if either the parents or teenager initially feel awkward about frank discussion.

Negative influences
We are flooded with sexual images from the media every day of our lives. A teenager’s perception of sex and sexuality can be skewed by incorrect or misleading information from a variety of sources including magazines, television and other teenagers. Numerous studies have shown that the most influential role models for a child are their parents. Parents and carers can inform their child and help them feel comfortable and knowledgeable about sexuality. By keeping silent, they allow their teenagers to act on unreliable information. This can put a teenager at considerable risk.

Teenagers and contraception
Unwanted pregnancy is a traumatic event for both the teenager and their parents. The reasons why some teenagers don’t use contraception include:

Lack of knowledge
Fear of their parents finding out
The belief that using contraception implies promiscuity
The belief that planning for sex ruins the spontaneity
Alcohol and drugs.
Preparing in advance
Parents can prepare themselves for discussions in many ways, including:
Talk about the issue together
Decide what kind of values and messages they want to deliver
Read up on current sexual issues
Accept that their teenager may have different views to their own
Buy or borrow relevant books, magazines or videos
Remember that the aim is to discuss the topic with their child, not give a lecture.
Gender roles
Gender roles play an important part in sexual relationships. The child receives important lessons on adult relationships by watching how their parents interact. This can affect the way they conduct their sexual relationships. Ideally, any parent or carer responsible for the child should discuss sex with the child, and thorough information on contraception and unwanted pregnancy should be given to both young men and young women. Teenagers need to be aware that sexual responsibility is everyone’s concern, regardless of gender.

What to talk about
Sex education involves more than just the biological mechanics of reproduction. Ideally, a variety of important topics should be covered, including:
Relationships and emotions
Sexual feelings
Values
Gender roles
Sexuality
Sexually transmissible infections (STIs)
Birth control options
Safer sex practices
Sex acts other than intercourse
Sexual problems
Sexual preferences
How to say ‘no’ to unwanted sex
Pregnancy, including options such as abortion, adoption or parenting.
Making decisions
A teenager needs to know how to negotiate their sexual experiences in positive and responsible ways. Parents can help their child to make safe and informed sexual decisions. Suggestions include:
Give them clear and correct information on contraception, safer sex and STIs.
Encourage them to talk about sex and its consequences with their partner.
Brainstorm ways to counter unwanted sexual pressure, including peer pressure.
Encourage them to do their own research into sexual issues.
If they are sexually active or planning to be, stress the importance of always using a condom.
Ground rules at home
Some teenagers experiment sexually. Parents need to decide whether or not their teenager’s sexual activity will be allowed in the family home. However, forbidding sex at home doesn’t prevent the child from having sexual experiences. The best time to decide on the ground rules is during an open and honest discussion about sex, not during an argument.

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Posted by Health Care , Published at 8:21 AM and have 0 comments