Bring Issue Of Sexual Health Into The Open
Jun 25th, 2008 | By admin | Category: HealthTHE RECENT alarming events at Gloucester High School should be a wake-up call about the precarious sexual health of our nation’s youth.
Despite our country’s wealth and educational resources, the United States leads all industrialized Western nations in rates of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. This epidemic is fueled by inaccurate sexual information, lack of meaningful discussion with youth about sex, poor contraceptive services, and families, schools, and communities that are ambivalent about sex and disconnected from the real-life experiences of teens.
Fortunately, we have many tools to address these problems. We can listen to our teens; sex is on their mind and in their world. Parents can talk early and often with their children about ways to make sex safer - this doesn’t hasten sexual activity; rather, it gives teens critical information and values to keep themselves safe.
Schools can teach the facts about sex and provide access to contraception. While some parents might find this advice alarming, research shows that, rather than leading to promiscuity, this approach promotes better health and prevents unwanted and premature pregnancy.
Further, community organizations can sponsor programs on sexual health for teens and families. Our media can show sexy teens using restraint and good judgment.
Tags: better health, community organizations, contraception, contraceptive services, dis, diseases, educational resources, gloucester high school, Health, judgment, life experiences, parents, safe schools, sexual activity, sexual information, sexy teens, teens sex, vic, wake up call