Workshops Offered for Parents and Professionals in Los Angeles
Planned Parenthood Los Angeles is offering 5 workshops to help parents and professionals feel more comfortable talking to kids about sex and sexuality. The workshops will take place in August and September. Topics include: "Healthy Foundations: Responding to Young Children’s Sexual Questions and Behaviors", and "Everything Teens Always Want to Know About Sex (and You’re Afraid They’ll Ask!)".
For more information and a registration form, download this PDF.
Helpful Hints for Parents from Sex Educator Ivy Chen
The San Francisco television show "The View from the Bay" recently featured an interview with sex educator Ivy Chen.
Talk with Your Teen During National Condom Week
This week, February 10-16, is National Condom Week. Take this opportunity to talk with your teen about sexually transmitted diseases. Tell them:
• There are 19 million new cases of STDs in this country each year.
• Half of them are in young people, ages 15 to 24.
• STDs often have no noticeable symptoms.
• STDs can be passed without either partner knowing it.
• The best way to avoid STDs is to not have sex.
• If they do have sex, use a condom every time!
Protect your teen this Valentine’s Day! Make sure they aren’t spreading anything but love.
Visit TeenSource for more information on National Condom Week by clicking here.
What's Folic Acid and Why Does it Matter?
Folic acid is a type of Vitamin B that can help prevent birth defects. It’s important for women of all ages to get enough folic acid before they get pregnant. Having enough folic acid is important to the growing baby even before most women realize they are pregnant. Folic acid is needed to make the cells that form a baby’s brain, spine, organs, skin, and bones.
Be sure to take a multivitamin with folic acid every day. Every woman needs folic acid for the healthy new cells her body makes every day . . . even if she is not planning to get pregnant.
Your daughter should take one too, especially if she is sexually active.
For more information on National Folic Acid Awareness Week, January 7-13, click here.
Give Your Teens the Gift of Health this Holiday Season
Did you know that 1 in every 4 sexually active teens gets a sexual disease (STD)? It’s true. And half of all new HIV infections are in young people under 25. This holiday season, make sure your teen doesn’t get any unwanted “gifts!”
Let your teen know you care. Take time during the holidays to talk to them about how they can protect themselves. Tell them:
Don’t have sex. This is the only way to be 100% certain that you won’t get a sexual disease.
Only have sex with one person. If you only have sex with one person who only has sex with you, you both lower your risk.
Use condoms every time you have sex. Latex condoms help prevent the spread of STDs.
Get tested regularly. Many STDs have no symptoms that you’d notice. If you are having sex, ask about getting tested once a year.
For more information on HIV and other STDs, visit TeenSource with your teen by clicking here or call the CDC National Hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).
Know the Warning Signs of Suicide
It can be tough being a teen today. Teens can feel overwhelmed, helpless and alone. Learn the warning signs of suicide and talk with your teens. Here are some signs you should look out for:
• Is your teen depressed? Does he sleep more than usual? Is she less interested in things she enjoyed doing before? Does he or she neglect his personal appearance or hygiene?
• Does she use alcohol often and to excess? Is he abusing drugs?
• Has she withdrawn from friends? Does he hang out by himself a lot rather than joining in family activities?
• Is your teen struggling with whether he or she is gay or straight?
• Is she facing an unplanned pregnancy? Is he dealing with becoming a father?
• Does she lose her temper often? Is he becoming more and more aggressive?
The fact is that depression and suicidal feelings can be treated. Sometimes all it takes is letting your teen know that you care. Show them that you want to know how they are feeling. Make sure they know that you won’t judge them. You may not feel comfortable talking about what they might be going through. Make sure they know that there are many adults who care – teachers, aunts or uncles, school counselors or even hotline counselors.
Let your teen know about 1-800-273-TALK (8255) – a hotline for free, confidential help.
For more free information, click here to visit the National Girls and Boys Town website.
Start Talking during "Let's Talk" Month
Did you know that October is “Let’s Talk” Month? This month is also known as “National Family Sexuality Education Month.” It’s dedicated to helping families talk about sex. Often, parents want to talk to their teens about sex but are nervous about bringing it up.
During October, try starting the conversation! You can even use this website as a starting point. You could say: “I saw this website that said October is 'Let’s Talk' Month. It says that many teens have questions for their parents about sex, but don’t know how to ask. What do you think?”
Download free information sheets by clicking here.
Get Free Info on Breast Cancer During October
Did you know that women of all ages can get breast cancer? During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, talk with your daughter about breast self-exam. E-mail resources@cfhc.org and ask for a copy of “We’re Taking Care of Our Lives.” This pamphlet includes step-by-step instructions for breast self-exam.
Help protect your daughter. Encourage her to:
- Learn how to do a breast self-exam once a month.
- See her doctor once a year for a clinical breast exam.
- Start having mammograms at age 40 (or 35 if there is a family history of cancer).
For more information on National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, click here to visit the official website.
Alcohol & Other Drugs Lead to Risky Sex
Everyone knows that abusing alcohol and other drugs is bad for people, especially teens. Car crashes involving alcohol are the number one killer of teens in this country. But, did you know that using alcohol and other drugs can lead to risky teen sex? It’s true. Teens who use alcohol and other drugs are more likely to make decisions about sex that aren’t safe. If your teen uses alcohol, pot, or other drugs:
• They might put themselves in a dangerous situation.
• They might have sex when they weren’t planning on it.
• They might have sex without using birth control and get pregnant.
• They might have sex without using condoms and get HIV or another STD.
If you think your teen might have a problem with alcohol or other drugs:
• Call 1-800-448-3000 (the Girls and Boys Town National Hotline).
• Call 1-800-NCA-CALL (National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence Hopeline).
For more information on birth control and STDs, visit TeenSource with your teen by clicking here.
New Survey on What Makes Teens Happy
When you think about what makes teenagers happy, what do think is at the top of the list? In a recent survey of 1,280 young people by the Associated Press and MTV, spending time with family was the number one answer. Next was spending time with friends, followed by spending time with girlfriends or boyfriends. This survey stresses what we already know – that your relationship with your teen is very important!
What about sex? According to the survey, having sex makes 13-17 year olds less happy. For 18 to 24-year olds, sex might lead to happiness in the moment, but not in general.
Use this survey as a “teachable” moment and talk with your teen about it. Ask your son or daughter what makes them happy! For more results from the AP/MTV survey, click here.
Protecting Your Daughter from Cervical Cancer - Part II
There’s been a lot of talk lately about HPV and the HPV vaccine. You may have even seen commercials on TV for the HPV vaccine. Though most types of HPV cause no health problems, there are some that can sometimes cause cervical cancer.
The great news is that there is a vaccine now available that prevents HPV. Here’s what you need to know:
• The HPV vaccine protects against the four types of HPV that together cause 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts.
• The vaccine is given as three shots over a six-month period.
• The vaccine is very effective and very safe.
• The vaccine is recommended as a routine vaccine for all 11 and 12 year old girls. It can be given from age 9 to age 26.
Right now, the vaccine is only for girls and young women. Research is being done on an HPV vaccine for boys and young men. As yet, it is not available.
Protect your daughter and make sure she receives the HPV vaccine!
Need more information about HPV?
• Visit TeenSource with your daughter by clicking here.
• Download a free information sheet on HPV and Cervical Cancer. Click here.
Protecting Your Daughter from Cervical Cancer - Part I
Is your daughter at risk for cervical cancer? Talk with her about HPV and how to prevent cervical cancer. HPV (the Human Papilloma Virus) is a virus spread through sex. A person can have HPV without knowing it. Most people have no symptoms. Some people with HPV get genital warts. Even if the warts go away or are removed by a doctor, the virus stays in the body. It can still be spread to others. Other types of HPV can lead to cervical cancer.
The good news is that you can protect your daughter against HPV, genital warts, and cervical cancer. Let her know all the ways she can protect herself:
• She can choose not to have sex or other kinds of sexual contact.
• She can choose to only have sex with one partner, who only has sex with her.
• She can make sure her partner uses condoms every time she has sex.
• She can get regular Pap tests.
• She can get a series of three shots to protect her from getting HPV.
Talk with your daughter today and protect her from cervical cancer!
Want to find out more about HPV?
• Go to TeenSource with your daughter. Click here.
• Download a free info sheet on HPV and Cervical Cancer. Click here.
How Much Does Your Daughter Know about Breast Cancer?
Young women have a lot to think about these days, but most are probably not worried about breast cancer. The truth is that all women are at risk for breast cancer. Your daughter could get breast cancer even if there is no family history of cancer, and even if she exercises and eats right. No one knows exactly what causes breast cancer. We do know that if it is found and treated early, women have a better chance of surviving it.
Help protect your daughter. Encourage her to:
- Learn how to a breast self-exam once a month.
- See her doctor once a year for a clinical breast exam.
- Start having mammograms at age 40 (or 35 if there is a family history of cancer).
Check out the Young Survivors Coalition website on how breast cancer can affect even young women. It may motivate your daughter to really take this seriously.
For free information on young women and breast cancer, e-mail resources@cfhc.org and ask for a copy of "We're Taking Care of Our Lives."
Knowledge is Power - National HIV Testing Day
June 27, 2007, is National HIV Testing Day. Each year the national campaign encourages Americans to get tested for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Talk to the important people in your life about HIV and AIDS. Let them know they should get an HIV test if:
- They have had sex and have never been tested.
- They have had unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex (sex without a condom or dental dam).
- They have had more than one partner or had sex with someone whose name they didn't know.
- They have injected drugs and shared needles, syringes, cotton or water with others.
- They have been told by a doctor they have an STD (a disease people get from having sex), like syphilis.
- They have tuberculosis (TB) or hepatitis.
- Or, they have had unprotected sex with anyone who could answer "yes" to any of the above questions.
Think about getting tested yourself if you could answer "yes" to any of the above questions or if you received a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985.
For more information about HIV/AIDS and other STDs, click here to visit TeenSource.org. Click here to find clinics in your area that offer HIV tests. Help them take the test and take control!
Birth Control - How Much Does He Know?
How much does your son know about birth control? He might know about condoms, but he should know about all the other kinds of birth control, too! Does he know there's a new birth control implant that can protect a woman from pregnancy for up to three years? Does he know that if a condom breaks or he has unprotected sex, there is still a way to prevent pregnancy?
Make sure the young men in your life know all they can about how to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Visit TeenSource.org with them for more info. Get a free copy of CFHC's booklet "What Men Want to Know about Sex and Birth Control" by e-mailing samples@cfhc.org or calling 1-800-428-5438.
Protect His Health - National Men's Health Week
Does your son get regular check-ups? What about you, Dad? Many young men don't visit the doctor unless they feel sick. Did you know that some diseases, including STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) may not have signs or symptoms? Did you know that testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in men who are 15 to 34?
June 11-17 is National Men's Health Week. Take time to talk with your son or other men you care about during this week! Take them to the doctor for a check-up. Help them get treated early for any diseases or injuries.
For more ways to get involved, click here to visit the National Men's Health Week website.
Parents Can Get Involved
National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, May 2, 2007
There are many ways that you can get involved in the 6th Annual National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.
You can encourage your teen to take the online quiz during the month of May (available in Spanish and English) at www.teenpregnancy.org. The quiz asks teens what they would do in certain sexual situations. At the same time the quiz tells them about the consequences of having sex or becoming a parent too young. After your child has taken the quiz, download the Parent Quiz Discussion Guide and use it to talk with your child about sex, love, and relationships.
You can also organize a local community event on parent/child communication about sex, love and relationships. Tell other parents about the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy! Find these resources and more at www.teenpregnancy.org.
National Day Events Around the Country
Find out what activities your city or state is doing related to the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy! Events are listed by state on the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy's website. Why not add your activity to the list?
National Day Promotional Materials Available
Download free posters, postcards and brochures to promote the 2007 National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy! Help encourage as many people as possible to participate. Pass out postcards to all the teens you know. Hang posters in clinics or places teen hang out, such as classrooms, community centers, and local businesses. You can download materials at teenpregnancy.org.
Advertise the National Day in your newsletter or by emailing your listserv. Publish a press release describing the National Day and the activities you are doing to promote it. Sample copies of newsletters, listserv notices, and press releases are all available online.
National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month Planning Guidebook
Would you like to organize activities during the month of May to increase awareness of teen pregnancy prevention? Advocates for Youth offers a planning guidebook for communities who are interested ingetting involved in National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month.
This comprehensive guide includes facts on adolescent sexual health, steps for planning and implementing Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month events, tips for involving youth and adults, and suggestions for working with the media. Download it free.
The National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
What is the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy?
The National Day aims to focus teens' attention on teen pregnancy and other consequences of early sex. In the U.S. about 1 out of every 3 girls will get pregnant at least once by age 20. Each year, California alone accounts for 14 percent of all teen pregnancies in the U.S.
May 2, 2007, marks the sixth Annual National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. On the National Day, teens are encouraged to complete an easy-to-use online quiz. It focuses on the consequences of sex and asks them to think about what they would do in certain sexual situations. It encourages teens to make a commitment to do what they need to do to prevent pregnancy.
In 2002, on the first National Day, 75,000 people completed the quiz. Last year 800,000 teens completed quizzes. This year we hope even more people will take the Quiz.
How Can Teens Take the National Day Quiz?
Any time during the month of May, go to www.teenpregnancy.org to take a short, scenario-based "quiz." The quiz is easy, fun, and informative.
What Can Parents Do to Support the National Day?
Encourage your teen to complete the quiz online. Then download the Parent Quiz Discussion Guide and use it to start a dialogue with your child about sex, love, and relationships.
Who is the Quiz for?
The quiz is for teens aged 13 and up. It will be posted in both Spanish and English.
Have more questions? Go to: http://www.teenpregnancy.org/national/faq.asp
The Teen Brain--Teens are not mini-adults (Part 2)
The teen brain functions well…just not like yours. Their brain is still maturing. Areas where self-control, judgment and emotional maturity take place are still developing. The great news is that by the time youth leave their teen years their brains will be ready to take them into the adult world. In the meantime, how does this growing brain show itself?
- Teens swing back and forth between dependence and independence.
- Teens want to make decisions and be treated like adults.
- Teens may not be able to read and understand emotions in the faces of others.
- Teens want and need you in their lives but may not tell you in a way you get.
The teen brain can process complex issues and, with your help and patience, they will develop into adults who create healthy lives for themselves.
The Teen Brain – Teens are not mini-adults (Part 1)
The teen brain functions well…just not like yours. Teens can think though complex issues, but they need your help.
Most teens are “concrete” thinkers. That means that they can see and understand the here and now. Most adults are “abstract” thinkers. That means they can naturally think about the complexities of ideas and think far into the future. Teens often times need adults to help them follow a complex thought process.
Here’s an example. You may know a younger teen who wants to have a baby. Think about what it means to that youth. When they think about having a baby, they might think about having something to love, dress up, take care of, and someone who will love them back. As an adult and abstract thinker you know there is so much more to being a parent than that.
You could tell that teen not to get pregnant. Or you could tell them they’re being shortsighted (or worse). The fact is, telling someone what to do rarely works to change their mind.
The good news is that you can help that youth think it through. They want to have a baby for reasons that make sense to them. But remember that their brain is different than yours. They aren’t physically able to think abstractly like you are. Instead of telling the youth that it’s a bad idea to have a baby, help them to do the abstract thinking. Ask them what having a baby means to them. Sit down with them and plan out what having a baby is like. Figure out with the youth things like costs of having a baby, time commitments involved, specific sacrifices they will have to make, and talk about all the things that you know are important to think about before making this huge life decision. Most likely, the youth will come to the understanding that now is not the right time to have a baby.
Teens can and do make intelligent decisions. Sometimes they need help to think things through. With your help and patience, they will develop into adults who create healthy lives for themselves.
AACAP Recommendations on talking to your kids about sex
Are you wondering when you start talking to your kids about sex? According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, you should always be ready to talk, but should keep conversations age-appropriate. Offer information that is in line with what your child is asking for and is able to understand. You can create a comfortable atmosphere in which to have these conversations. It helps when you:
· Develop open honest communication with your children.
· Encourage questions about all kinds of topics.
· Pay attention to the particular needs and curiosity level of your son or daughter.
To read more of AACAP’s recommendations on how to talk to children about sex, click here.
The Why is as Important as the What in Abstinence
People choose abstinence for many reasons. That is why the definition of abstinence changes. Its meaning depends on the reasons for being abstinent. Only a few behaviors will lead to pregnancy. Other behaviors might not lead to pregnancy, but could transmit a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Still other behaviors might not lead to pregnancy or STDs, but could lead to emotional harm or, in some belief systems, spiritual harm.
Share with your kids your reasons for wanting them to be abstinent. Be honest and clear. Listen to their opinions or concerns about your reasons. Then, when you talk about behaviors that are or are not abstinence, it will make sense to them.
Get Involved in Let's Talk Month, October 2006
There are many things you can do as a parent for Let’s Talk Month. Here are some ways to get involved:
• Set aside time to talk with your kids and listen each day.
• Learn to be an “askable” adult who honestly answers all questions, including those about sex.
• Hold a parent-child communication training at your child’s school.
• Watch TV with your kids and talk about the behaviors you see. Discuss whether they match your values.
• Start a “make a date” campaign. Ask other adults to plan a time with their families to talk.
For more information, visit: http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/publications/ltm_samples.pdf.
October is Let's Talk Month
Let’s Talk Month aims to get kids and adults talking about a very important topic. Everyone benefits when parents and children talk about sex! You can learn to be an “askable” parent, someone your child will feel comfortable talking with when they have questions about sex. You can teach your young children and preteens what they want to know about their bodies. By talking with your teens, they will know more about sexual health and have better access to the health services they need.
Let’s Talk Month activities can have a huge impact for teens and their families. If community leaders, organizations, and individual families all work together, Let’s Talk Month can reach beyond October and improve family communication and teen health all year long! Find out more here: http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/news/events/letstalk.htm
New Trainings
California Family Health Council (CFHC) announces two exciting new trainings -- one for health care providers, and one for parents!
Supporting Parent-Child Communication
This training is designed to build the knowledge and skills of health care providers to better support and promote parent-child communication in the clinic setting. As health care providers, you can encourage and support the important role parents play in teen sexual health.
For More Infomation and to Schedule a Training:
Contact CFHC at (800) 428-5438 and ask for the Parent-Child Communication Training. Or click here to find out more.
Helping Teens Make Healthy Choices, Parent Training
This training is designed to help parents talk with their teens about sexuality and sex in a positive and constructive way. It's a great opportunity for groups of parents to gather and discuss their role in the lives of their teens.
For More Information and to Schedule a Training:
Contact CFHC at (800) 428-5438 and ask for the Helping Teens Make Healthy Decisions, Parent Training. Or click here to find out more.
Breaking the Cycle of Teen IPV
A series of trainings sponsored by California Family Health Council will be held all over California this fall. These trainings are designed to help adults develop the skills they need to talk with teens about avoiding intimate partner abuse. One in three teens experience abuse in a relationship at some point in their teen years. Teens want and need to be able to talk about their intimate relationships with the important adults in their lives.
Don't miss this chance to have a positive impact on the young people in your life.
Click here to find out more about this training or call 1-800-428-5438 and ask for Breaking the Cycle of Teen IPV.
Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg on Adolescent Healthcare at the 25th Annual Women's Health Update
As health care providers, we want to help our youth grow up safe and healthy. It takes more than an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan to succeed. We need to set a stage where teens feel valued, listened to and respected while being provided quality health care services.
Spend the morning with a dynamic and nationally acclaimed clinician and trainer, Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, MD, MS Ed author of "But I’m Almost 13: An Action Plan to Raise a Responsible Adolescent," who will focus on improving communication skills and provide you with practical tools to work more effectively with teens and their parents.
Find out more and register for this conference.
Study Says Media and Parents Influence Teen Sex Activity
The media has a big influence in the lives of many, particularly adolescents. The study entitled “Sexy Media Matter: Exposure to Sexual Content in Music, Movies, Television, and Magazines Predicts Black and White Adolescents’ Sexual Behavior” by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill confirms a strong connection between young adolescents’ media diet and increased sexual intercourse. Dr. Jane D. Brown, along with Dr. Kelly L. L’Engle, Dr. Carol J. Pardun, Dr. Guang Guo, Kristin Kenneavy, and Dr. Christine Jackson surveyed 1,017 black and white teens from three North Carolina counties when they were 12 to 14 years old and again two years later, asking them about their use of four different kinds of media (television, movies, magazines, and music) and their sexual behavior.
The study refers to the Sexual Media Diet, or the amount of time spent using media and the type of media that affects the amount of exposure to sexual content. The study revealed:
- About 10 % of all media early adolescents use is sexual.
- Music has the most sexual content, at about 40%.
- Sexual content in the media rarely includes the Three C’s: commitment, contraception and consequences.
- The media may serve as “sex educator” for U.S. teens because other sources for sexual information are often reticent.
The researchers conclude that one of the strongest protective factors against early sexual behavior was clear parental communication about sex. Media literacy education for parents and youth, partnerships with youth-oriented media, and physician education and intervention are opportunities to help reduce media’s negative effects and perhaps enhance the positive.
The report of the study, was published in the April 2006 issue of Pediatrics. An editorial accompanying the article in Pediatrics by Dr. Victor Strasburger entitled “Clueless: Why Do Pediatricians Underestimate the Media’s Influence on Children and Adolescents?” says Americans need to recognize the power of media to teach children and teens about sex and sexuality. If parents and schools do not provide sufficient information to satisfy teens, the media will pick up the slack in an environment that does not emphasize abstinence-only behavior.
A Press Release on the study may be accessed here.
Making a Love Connection
It is not enough to teach teens and young adults about abstinence, avoiding risky sexual behavior, and safe sex practices. Marline Pearson and Barbara Dafoe Whitehead argue that education should also be on developing healthy relationships. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy recently published their paper “Making a Love Connection: Teen Relationships, Pregnancy and Marriage.” Pearson and Dafoe Whitehead convincingly argue that the missing piece in sex education to delay sexual activity, avoid teen pregnancy, and help prepare youth for successful marriages is education on the nature of relationships.
Progress has been made within the last decade in the U.S. to reduce teen pregnancy (down 28 percent) and teen birth rates (declined by one-third). However, a significant number of teens are still getting pregnant and becoming young parents. One-third of girls in the United States get pregnant by age 20 and half of all first out-of-wedlock births are to teenagers.
The authors note that teen parenthood hinders achieving two important public policy goals: helping build healthy marriages and increasing the proportion of children who grow up in stable two-parent families. Oftentimes, teens get involved in unwise relationships that lead to an unplanned pregnancy, a disrupted education, and a stalled future. Teens hear a lot about how to manage first sex but they do not hear how to handle first loves. Talking to teens about sex without talking to them about relationships makes little sense. Most teens have sex for the first time because they believe they are in love. But healthier relationships develop the longer teens delay having sex.
Making a Love Connection outlines ways to help teens develop positive expectations for their current and future relationships and family life. These include:
- Teach teens about health relationships and healthy marriage;
- Teach teens about a “success sequence” that will best promote the achievement of their dreams and desires for their future family and work lives;
- Provide a knowledge base, practical skills and social support to help teens successfully navigate the now prolonged transition from adolescence into adulthood;
- Engage parents as first teachers.
Pearson and Dafoe Whitehead conclude that relationship education offers the promise and possibility of giving teens more compelling reasons to postpone sex.
A related article may be viewed here.
Influence of Friends
The March issue of Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health published by the Guttmacher Institute includes a research study report regarding “Friends’ Influence on Adolescents’ First Sexual Intercourse.” Utilizing data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), authors Renee E. Sieving, Marla E. Eisenberg, Sandra Pettingell, and Carol Skay examined the forms and pathways of friend influence on adolescents’ sexual debut. Their findings highlight the need for further research related to understanding peer relationships and adolescent health, and they recommend that future studies of teenagers’ first sexual intercourse should include indicators of emotional involvement with friends.
The authors conclude that “[w]hile sex education is vitally important to preparation for adulthood, it seems all the more critical that youth have opportunities to be involved in prosocial relationships and learn skills for managing the social relationships in which sexual behavior occurs.”
Parent Power: What Parents Need to Know and Do to Help Prevent Teen Pregnancy
If you think that, as a parent, you have little influence on whether your teen gets pregnant or causes a pregnancy, think again! Parent Power, a booklet from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, shows that you do have power in your teen's life and that you can use this power to support your teen. You'll read great ideas to help your teen postpone sex and avoid pregnancy. Download "Parent Power" free from TeenPregnancy.org (PDF).
Parent Power Quiz
Want to find out more about teen sexual behavior, pregnancy, and parental influence? Take this fun quiz at TeenPregnancy.org.
Talking Back: What Teens Want Adults to Know About Teen Pregnancy
The National Campaign asked teens for the advice they would offer parents and other adults about how to help prevent teen pregnancy. The result is Talking Back: What Teens Want Adults to Know About Teen Pregnancy. It offers practical advice on what to say when you talk to teens about sex -- and how to say it! Talking Back helps you focus on what is really important to teens. Teens really do want to hear from you! Download Talking Back at TeenPregnancy.org.
Ten Tips for Parents to Help Their Children Avoid Teen Pregnancy
Need help talking with your teen about pregnancy prevention? Use the guide Ten Tips for Parents! This guide gives you ten simple ways for talking with your child about sex, love, and relationships. Think about your own beliefs before you talk with your teen. Ten Tips for Parents will help you be an “askable parent.” Be someone who your child will come to when they need answers. This is a great way to start. Download Ten Tips for Parents.
National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy: Parent Discussion Guide
Want to do something for Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month? Start with your own teen! Encourage them to take the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy quiz at: http://www.teenpregnancy.org/national/quiz/. Then download the Parent Discussion Guide. It includes ideas for starting a conversation with your teen after they complete the quiz. The Guide begins with themes from the quiz and then covers broad questions about teen pregnancy. General questions about the quiz follow and finally, specific questions about the scenarios in the quiz are presented. This is a great tool for parents who want to talk with their teen about this important topic! Download the Adult Discussion Guide.
National Day Events Around the Country
Find out what activities your city or state is doing related to the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy! Or, add your activity to the list! Events are listed by state on the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy’s website.
Get Involved in the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, May 3, 2006
There are many ways that you can get involved in the 5th Annual National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. You can encourage your teen to take the online quiz during the month of May (available in Spanish and English) at www.teenpregnancy.org.
The quiz asks teens what they would do in certain sexual situations. At the same time the quiz tells them about the consequences of having sex or becoming a parent too young. After your child has taken the quiz, download the Parent Quiz Discussion Guide and use it to talk with your child about sex, love, and relationships. You can also organize a local community event on parent/child communication about sex, love and relationships. And tell other parents about the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy!
Find these resources and more at www.teenpregnancy.org.
National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month Planning Guidebook
Would you like to organize activities during the month of May to increase awareness of teen pregnancy prevention?
Advocates for Youth offers a planning guidebook for communities who are interested in getting involved in National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month. This comprehensive guide includes facts on adolescent sexual health, steps for planning and implementing Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month events, tips for involving youth and adults, and suggestions for working with the media.
Download it free from Advocates for Youth.
National Day Promotional Materials Available
A limited supply of postcards and posters promoting the 2006 National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy is still available! Help encourage as many people as possible to participate. Pass out postcards to all the teens you know. Hang posters in clinics or places teen hang out, such as classrooms, community centers, and local businesses. You can get the postcards and posters by going to the online store..
The National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
What is the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy?
The National Day aims to focus teens’ attention on teen pregnancy and other consequences of early sex. In the U.S. about 1 of out every 3 girls will get pregnant at least once by age 20. Each year California alone accounts for 14 percent of all teen pregnancies in the U.S.
May 3, 2006, marks the fifth Annual National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. On the National Day, teens are encouraged to complete an easy-to-use online quiz. It focuses on the consequences of sex and asks them to think about what they would do in certain sexual situations. It encourages teens to make a commitment to do what they need to do to prevent pregnancy.
In 2002, on the first National Day 75,000 people completed the quiz. By 2005 this number grew to 630,000 completed quizzes. This year we hope even more people will take the Quiz.
How Can Teens Take the National Day Quiz?
Any time during the month of May (after May 3rd!), go to www.teenpregnancy.org to take a short, scenario-based “quiz.” The quiz is easy, fun, and informative.
What Can Parents Do to Support the National Day?
Encourage your teen to complete the quiz online. Then download the Parent Quiz Discussion Guide and use it to start a dialogue with your child about sex, love, and relationships.
Who is the Quiz for?
The quiz is for teen ages 13 and up. It will be posted in both Spanish and English.
Have more questions? Click here.
National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, May 3, 2006
As a parent, you can encourage your teen to take part
in the 5th Annual National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy on May 3, 2006. The
purpose of the National Day is to give teens a chance to focus on what too-early
pregnancy and parenthood could really mean in their lives. Teens will be able to
go to www.teenpregnancy.org and take a short, scenario-based "quiz." It will ask
them what they would do in a number of sexual situations.
The message of
the National Day is straightforward: Sex has consequences. The online quiz
(available in English and Spanish) delivers this message directly to teens and
challenges them to think carefully about what they might do "in the moment."
Organizers of past National Day activities report that "Teens tell us that the
quiz really makes them think." The message is "Sex is serious, have a plan."
Encourage the teens in your life to log online and take the quiz. They
can take the quiz anytime during the month of May.
Log on yourself to
www.teenpregnancy.org. You'll find lots of wonderful resources for parents just
like you!
SIECUS released new publication “Talk About Sex”
In January 2006, the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, or SIECUS, released a new publication for youth entitled “Talk About Sex.” Written by Martha Kempner and Monica Rodriguez, this informational booklet provides basic information about a range of sexuality topics, including but not limited to “staying healthy,” “relationships,” “communication skills,” “sexual behavior,” and “STDs/HIV.” To further help young people grow into sexually healthy adults, the booklet includes referrals to reputable websites for more information.
The entire publication may be accessed here.
Link between Parental Religious Practices and Teens’ Sexual Behavior
A new study confirms that teenagers are less likely to have sex before age 18 if their parents have high levels of religiosity (a broad concept that includes denominations, beliefs, behavior, and attitudes.) Strong parental religious beliefs, frequent parental attendance at religious services, and shared family religious activities are all associated with a smaller percentage of teens of both genders having sex before age 18. Teens are even less likely to have sex before age 18 if their parents have a high level of religiosity and have a positive relationship with their teens.
Another finding of this same study is that teens are less likely to have sex before age 18 if a large percentage of their peers regularly attend religious services.
The mentioned study was published in the November 2005 issue of Science Says, a monthly publication of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. It can be viewed online at: http://www.teenpregnancy.org/works/pdf/Science_Says_20_Religion.pdf
Video on Fathering Available in English and Spanish
I Am Your Child: To Be A Father (2004)
Spanish version: Soy Tu Hijo: Ser Un Papá (2004)
Hosted by Ray Romano (the Spanish version is hosted by Antonio Banderas), this video uses interviews with fathers all over the country and footage of fathers interacting with their kids to discuss the importance of dads. It talks about the changing role of fathers, the importance of bonding with a baby even before it’s born, how helping out around the house can also help build a relationship with a child, and what it looks like to be a good dad.
Even more positive is the research it presents, in simple terms, on the benefits to kids who have involved dads. They say that kids who are connected with their fathers are less likely to drop out of school, become teen parents, or get HIV, and they are 80% less likely to go to jail than kids without involved dads. They are also more likely to develop good empathy skills and be good in math and science.
This video does not minimize the power or importance of motherhood, but encourages fathers to do their part to raise healthy, happy kids.
The video also deals with real issues of divorce, gives advice on interacting with stepchildren, and talks with men who are in the military or in prison about ways to still be present in their kids’ lives.
This is an outstanding video with tips for men from all backgrounds and circumstances.
This video is a part of the I Am Your Child / Soy Tu Hijo series of videos on parenting infants and young children. They all speak to the power of parents connecting to their children and are full of great tips.
To order a copy of To Be a Father or any of the other videos, just call 1-888-447-3400 or go online to www.parentsactionstore.org.
Health Professionals: To preview a copy of this video, contact the EPA Resource Center at 1-800-428-5438.
How Latino Faith Communities Can Help Prevent Teen Pregnancy
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy has released a new guide on How Latino Faith Communities Can Help Prevent Teen Pregnancy. This brochure talks about why preventing teen pregnancy in the Latino community is important and stresses the significant role that faith leaders can play in this effort. It gives practical ideas on how faith communities can reach out to teens, as well as how faith leaders can guide parents and foster parent-teen communication.
This guide is available in both English and Spanish. A free pdf version of this brochure can be accessed in English at http://www.teenpregnancy.org/religion/FHL.pdf or in Spanish at http://www.teenpregnancy.org/religion/FHL_espanol.pdf.