PDF《Talking with Your Teens about Sex:》

National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention Division of Adolescent and School Health Talking with Your Teens about Sex: Going Beyond the Talk Parenting a teen is not always easy.

Youth need adults who are there for them―especially parents* who will connect with them, communicate with them, spend time with them, and show a genuine interest in them. Talking with teens about sex-related topics, including healthy relationships and the prevention of HIV, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and pregnancy, is a positive parenting practice that has been widely researched.1 A number of programs in a variety of settings (e.g., schools, parents'

worksites) have been shown to increase the amount and quality of communication between parents and their teens.2-4 This fact sheet offers practical actions for parents to help strengthen their efforts to engage positively with their teens and to have meaningful discussions with them about sex. This information complements other available parent resources (see selected list on page 3) by emphasizing the importance of talking with teens about sex and healthy relationships. * In this fact sheet, parent refers to the adult primary caregiver(s) of an adolescent'

s basic needs. These caregivers could include biological parents, other biological relatives, or non-biological parents. Does talking with teens about sex make a difference? According to teens, the answer is yes. In national surveys conducted by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, teens report that their parents have the greatest influence over their decisions about sex―more than friends, siblings, or the media. Most teens also say they share their parents'

values about sex, and making decisions about delaying sex would be easier if they could talk openly and honestly with their parents.5 According to many researchers, the answer is yes. Studies have shown that teens who report talking with their parents about sex are more likely to delay having sex and to use condoms when they do have sex.6 Parents should be aware that the following important aspects of communication can have an impact on teen sexual behavior:7 ?what is said ?how it is said ?how often it is said ?how much teens feel cared for, and understood by, their parents

2 What can parents do? When parents communicate honestly and openly with their teenage son or daughter about sex, relationships, and the prevention of HIV, STDs, and pregnancy, they can help promote their teen'

s health and reduce the chances that their teen will engage in behaviors that place them at risk. Following are some actions and approaches parents might take to improve communication with their teen about these challenging, hard-to- discuss health concerns. Stay informed about― ?Where your teen is getting information ?What health messages your teen is learning ?What health messages are factual and medically accurate Your teen may be getting messages about sex, relationships, and the prevention of HIV, STDs, and pregnancy from a variety of sources, including teachers, friends, health care providers, television, and social media. Some of these messages may be more accurate than others. Don'

t assume that your teen'

s health education class includes the information you want your child to know―school-based curricula vary from state to state. Identify unique opportunities to have conversations with your teen, such as ?In the car. The car is a private space where your teen doesn'

t have to look at you but can hear what you have to say. ?Immediately following a relevant TV show/movie. Characters on TV shows and movies model many behaviors, and certain storylines may provide the opportunity to reinforce positive behavior or discuss the consequences of risky behavior. ?Through text messaging, which may provide an easy, acceptable way to reinforce messages discussed in-person. Have frequent conversations. Although you may know that having the talk with your teen about sex and HIV, STD, and pregnancy prevention is important, having a series of discussions that begin early, happen often, and continue over time can make more of a difference than a single conversation. Be relaxed and open. Talking about sex, relationships, and the prevention of HIV, STDs, and pregnancy may not always be comfortable or easy, but you can encourage your teen to ask you questions and be prepared to give fair and honest answers. This will keep the door open for both of you to bring up the topic. It'