Teens and sex - what parents and doctors should know
Nowadays almost 70% of all high school students have sexual
contacts before graduating. Each year one in eight contacts
contracts a sexually transmitted disease (STD), and more than
80% of cases occur among people under 29.
What's more, one in five girls has an STD and is not aware of
that. If you are a parent-be careful to educate your child.
The very important fact is that these are parents who play the
most relevant role in their children's behavior. Most children
admit in surveys that they need to be informed about diseases
connected with sex and on how to prevent pregnancy
. Unfortunately, U.S.A. is far behind other nations in providing
this information.
I find it very wrong. I insist on you to play more active role
in developing your child's sexual education. This includes
ensuring that minimum once a year your child is examined by a
competent doctor who specializes in adolescent health.
All research prove that children listen to their parents talking
about sexual issues. Don't worry that talking about sex is equal
with allowing this. According to some studies, when parents talk
about sex, children are more likely to delay their first sexual
experiences and to protect themselves against pregnancy and
disease when they do have sex.
This doesn't mean that discussion is enough. After all,
abstinence is the best protection against both pregnancy and
STDs.
If you don't feel like talking to your kids about sex, turn them
on to the Adolescent Wellness and Reproductive Education
Foundation (www.awarefoundation.org), a Web site specifically
designed for youngsters.
Parenting an adolescent makes the stresses of infancy seem like
tropical holidays. But with strong communication, active
listening and lots of love and respect, you and your kids can
make it through and remain healthy.