Most experts agree that aside from abstinence, frank discussion of high-risk behaviors and safer sex activities are the only known methods of solving the problem of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease, especially HIV infection.
According to research, most of us today, including parents, teenagers, medical professionals, and religious organizations, want to learn and share more about sexuality and spirituality. Unfortunately, there are barriers to communicating this information which include:
- Lack of information.
- Discomfort or embarrassment in discussing these issues.
- Assuming that children already know more than they actually do or more than you do.
- Excuses such as not having the time or energy.
- Assuming that by talking about sexual matters it might make them do it.
- Value conflicts–confusion about beliefs, feeling, and attitudes.
- Many of us were taught that sex is too “dirty” for words.
- Many of us are afraid that we don’t have all the answers.
- It’s hard for some of us to admit our children are sexual.
- It’s even harder for some of us to admit that we are sexual.
Most research shows that sexuality education programs are similar to other educational programs in their effects. Many programs increase knowledge and a few help clarifies values, but most will not have much influence on the direction of sexual values or on sexual behavior.
However, we do know that sexuality education, which is geared toward parents in the home (similar to what is presented in this article) can increase motivation to avoid pregnancy and encourage the use of contraceptives, thus reducing teen-age pregnancy.
In other words, by putting aside our prudishness we, as parents, can start our own sexuality programs in our homes in an atmosphere of openness, which will have the greatest impact in decreasing teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease.
View more posts in the Parents section.
Topics Covered: Advice
