Sex Education & Abstinence For Adolescents and Teenagers and How to Teach It
Teens face difficult choices daily that can affect them for the rest of their lives. One of the major decisions they will make is whether or not to be sexually active. In a culture where premarital sex is accepted and normalized and where most media messages present everything counter to abstinence, many adolescents are choosing to be sexually active, some at very young ages. In the United States, 45.6 percent of high school students (1) and 79.5 percent of college students ages 18-24 (2) have had sex. The decision to have sex at such a young age can cause life long effects on their physical, emotional and psychological health. Thus, it is critical for adults and educators to realistically address teen sexuality and to recognize the many factors, including media, culture and peer influences that contribute to this decision.
There are many influences that affect adolescents? attitudes on sex such as sex related media. Adolescents in the US spend an average of 5-6 hours a day with some form of media that shows frequent, glamorized, and consequence-free sexual activity. (3) Recent studies also show that 12-14 year olds exposed to the most sexual content in movies, music, magazines, and on television were 2.2 times as likely to have sexual intercourse than peers that experienced less sexual content in media exposure. (4) When asked why they had sex for the first time, 13 percent of men ages 13-18 state it was because of pressure from their friends and eight percent of women this age state it was because of pressure from a partner. (5)
Teens are vulnerable to these influences and a host of others. They need to be educated on what is influencing them, the inaccuracies of certain messages (such as: “sex is just fun,” “sex has no consequences,” and “sex makes you popular”), and how a decision like this can have negative and lasting consequences to their lives, now and in the future. With this knowledge comes the ability to challenge the “norm” and make more positive and healthy decisions. This message needs to come from those they respect and trust, namely educators and parents.
The content of these educational messages needs to be one that will influence them and leave a lasting impression, especially as they face situations where a decision is needed; abstinence needs to become a solid option. In order to have influence, the message needs to be delivered in a way that they will, #1 listen to and #2 remember.
I believe one of the most effective ways is by engaging teenagers with a program that is entertaining to them, one that will get and keep their attention, one that has enough of an emotional connection to cause them to really think about what situations they will face and to prepare them to respond to these situations. One that assists them in making positive decisions in future situations and that teaches them to implement actions that will prevent them from potential negative consequences and future pain. ?What?s Love Got to Do With It? is one tool that can aid in the teaching process. It was developed based on the above concepts and is specifically developed to educate and influence in the ways described above. It is engaging, entertaining, and impacting. This interactive video (DVD) program explores the various influences on teen sexual behavior, primarily media and peer influences. It educates youth on the consequences of choosing to be sexually active?not just potential physical consequences (pregnancy & STD?s)?but also the emotional and psychological impact. This program encourages adolescents to think seriously about choosing to be sexually active and why the best decision, with the least risks and consequences, is abstinence. It provides valuable information on how to handle pressure and how to say ?no.?? Additionally, teens will learn what defines sexual assault and how to prevent becoming a victim or a perpetrator. A study guide is included to assist in discussion following the DVD to further drive home the message.
References
1. Grunbaum JA etal. Youth risk behavior surveillance, United States, 2001. MMWR CDC Survelliance Summaries 2002
2. Division of Adolescent & School Health, CDC. Youth risk behavior surveillance, national college health risk behavior survey, United States, 1995. MMWR CDC Surveillance Summaries 1997;46(SS-6):1-56.
3. Bloomberg.com
4. Kinsman SB, Romer D, et al. Early sexual initiation: the role of peer norms. Pediatrics 1998; 102:1185-1192.
5. Kaiser Family Foundation & YM magazine. ?National Survey of Teens: Teens Talk about Dating, Intimacy and Their Sexual Experiences.? Melo Park, CA: The Foundation, 1998.
Sheila Gohr, M.S., LPC, APSW, has been a guidance counselor for 15 years in the Pulaski, Wisconsin area.
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