Talking About Adolescent Sexuality
We live in a very sexual world. There are confusing messages about sex everywhere
- on the radio, TV, in magazines, movies and music. Sex is used to sell everything from soap to cars.
The risks to sexual behavior can be very high for adolescents struggling to understand
their changing bodies and changing feelings. Making good decisions may be hard,
but the result of a poor choice can last a lifetime.
Parents play a very important role in helping their children make important personal
decisions. However, parents often find it difficult.
The following tips may help:
- Set good examples
- Respect their privacy and feelings
- Give accurate and honest answers
- Start early
- Take advantage of teachable moments
- Reassure them that they are normal
- Use correct names for sexual organs and behaviors
- Admit if you do not know the answer
- Help them learn to set their own limits
- Be available, be open, initiate conversation
- Help your child to say “NO”
Resources
Any counseling that improves parent-child communication can be helpful in opening
the discussion of difficult topics. Medical professionals, nurse educators, social
workers, youth counselors and other youth workers could be consulted. For more specific information, the following resources may be helpful:
For information and treatment on sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s):
Broome County Health Department, 778-2839
For information on reproductive health for male and female adolescents, pregnancy
prevention including abstinence, education regarding adolescent sexuality, counseling
to improve communication skills:
Planned Parenthood, 723-8306
Support and information for parents of gay, bi-sexual, transgendered young people
and support group for gay, bi-sexual and transgendered high school students:
PFLAG, 748-3984
For presentations to adolescent groups or to individual adolescents about AIDS, sexually
transmitted infections and reducing the risks of sexual behaviors:
STAP, 798-1706
Information and referrals regarding adolescent pregnancy prevention:
Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network, 772-0517
If you can’t find a service you need, you may call First Call for Help at
729-9100 for a complete listing of services in Broome County.