Healthy Behaviors??

In today’s society, healthy sexual behaviors seem to be more and more accepted because of an increase in awareness and communication. Although some families may communicate with their children more than others. According to the Vital and Health Statistics report in 2004, “Nearly half (46%) of all 15-19-year-olds in the United States have had sex at least once.” (Abma, 2004). There are so many ways that we can help our children become more educated on health sexual behaviors. Parents need to be the key. When parents speak age-appropriate language regarding our bodies and sex, children respond with understanding. Studies show that kids who feel they can talk with their parents about sex are less likely to engage in high-risk behavior as teens than kids who do not feel they can talk with their parents about the subject. I think parents who feel strongly about communicating all aspects of sexuality including the emotional parts not just the physical. Health care providers and educators need to be also open to communicate according to the child’s age. They should also be aware of the child and their families believes. Many people believe in abstinence only and don’t want to teach about safe sex practices because they feel it would condone having premarital sex. This is where families need to be honest with each other and make sure their teens know what they expect. When no sexual advice is given, that is when negative things can happen like pre-marital sex, unprotected sex, STD’s and unplanned pregnancies. Our society needs to recognize what open communication without shame can accomplish.

References:

Abma JC et al., Teenagers in the United States: sexual activity, contraceptive use, and childbearing, 2002, Vital and Health Statistics, 2004, Series 23, No. 24.