Television series alerts parents to importance of talking with their teens about sex
OLYMPIA, WA - Only 20 percent of parents initiate conversations with their teenagers about sexuality, yet it is a subject that no parent can afford to ignore, according to the state Department of Health.
Parent Alert: Talk to Your Teens About Sex is a new four-part television series designed to help parents open the lines of communication so they can play a positive role in their teens' life choices.
In 1994 one in 26 adolescent girls in Washington became pregnant, and in 1995 it was estimated that between 900 and 1,400 adolescents and young adults between the ages of 13 and 24 were positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Last year teenagers represented 41 percent of chlamydia cases. Chlamydia and gonorrhea, when left untreated, can have lasting consequences, including sterility.
"Adolescents need clear strong messages -- first from their parents, and reinforced by others -- about the importance of making informed choices about sexual activity," says Dr. Maxine Hayes, MPH, assistant secretary for community and family health at the state Department of Health.
The television series, sponsored by the department as part of its teen pregnancy prevention program, begins March 22 on KCTS Channel 9 in Seattle, and KYVE Channel 47 in Yakima. The series will air on other public television stations throughout the state during the months of March, April and May.
"Many parents report that discussing sexuality with their teenagers is one of the most difficult tasks they have ever faced, yet most would agree that sex education belongs in the home," says Marilyn Cohen, PhD, professor at the University of Washington and producer of the series.
Four 30-minute programs address such topics as peer pressure, talking with sons, talking with daughters, and reducing the risks. They will also give practical tips on how to approach the subject and keep an open dialogue with teens.
According to Cohen, parents have many questions. "Parents want to know: How do I start the conversation with my teen? Should I take the initiative or should I wait until they approach me? Do I talk differently to my son than to my daughter?"
In the series, some of these questions will be answered by teens themselves. High school-aged youth give advice to parents, and parents talk candidly about their worries, failures and successes.
A free discussion guide accompanies the program, which is aimed at parents of middle schoolers, teachers, youth leaders and health professionals.
The Department of Health's teen pregnancy prevention program includes community-based prevention projects, a teen media network aimed at enhancing awareness about the risks associated with early initiation of sexual activity, and encouragement for choosing healthyalternatives.
For a free discussion guide and information about other teen media network events, call 1-888-TEEN NET, or visit the web page at http://webr.u.washington.edu/ecttp .
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Public Health Fact Sheet Talking with Teens About Sex
What's the best way to help teens avoid becoming sexually active?
No single approach to adolescent pregnancy prevention is appropriate for all adolescents in all circumstances and in every community. It is clear, however, that certain interventions have made an impact.
All adolescents need sexuality education that teaches them refusal and negotiation skills and gives them up-to-date information about contraceptives and sexually transmitted disease before they are sexually active.
Does sex education encourage youth to be sexually active?
No. In a recent review of evaluated prevention programs, the Institute of Medicine found that "Sexuality education programs that provide information on both abstinence and contraceptive use neither encourage the onset of sexual intercourse nor increase the frequency of intercourse among adolescents. ... programs that provide both messages appear effective in delaying the onset of sexual intercourse and encouraging contraceptive use once sexual activity has begun, especially among younger adolescents."
What can parents do?
All studies indicate that clear strong messages from parents are critical, yet many parents report that discussing sexuality with their teenagers is one of the most difficult tasks they have ever faced. Following are some tips to help get the ball rolling.
Top 10 tips for talking with your teens about sex
1. Listening is a critical first step in keeping lines of communication open.
2. Show them you are really trying to hear what they are saying.
3. Give them a chance to talk.
4. Ask questions to keep the conversation going. Be curious.
5. Encourage them to express how they are feeling.
6. Be ready to hear opinions you may not agree with.
7. As you listen, validate what you can, remembering there will be opportunities later for dissenting opinions.
8. Thank them for their trust and willingness to come to you.
9. Ask questions about their ideas for solutions -- don't give answers.
10. Lastly, offer your opinion.