October is Let’s Talk Month in
The links below provide parents with the information for starting the conversation, for keeping it going, as well as information on other topics pertaining to sexuality and other sensitive topics.
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy
Advocates for Youth Parents Sex Ed Center
For more resources on starting the conversation, download any of the following.
Kiss and Tell
Teens tend to get advice on all kinds of issues from parents, teachers, and other adults but rarely are young people themselves asked to describe their own thoughts and beliefs. Kiss and Tell is a snapshot of what teens are thinking about love and relationships. Kiss and Tell should be of interest to adults who work with teens, particularly those concerned about teen relationships, early sex, pregnancy, and parenthood. Kiss and Tell may also be useful to teens, and they may find what is presented here of interest as well.
Talking Back
For 15 years now The National Campaign has asked teens from all over the country a fairly simple question: If you could give your parents or other important adults advice about how to help you and your friends avoid pregnancy, what would it be? Here are the top ten answers that were heard most often.
Relationship Redux
The teen years are a time of exploration, discovery, learning, and growing up. They are a time when young people are first really faced with profound questions about relationships and sex. Although many parents understand the importance of talking to their kids about sex, far fewer seem to realize just how important it is for them to talk to their children about what it takes to recognize, develop, and maintain a healthy relationship.
Fast Facts-Media and Teen Pregnancy
This Fast Facts brief presents new polling data on teens’ opinions about media and teen pregnancy in general, as well as their views about MTV’s popular 16 and Pregnant program in particular. Some have criticized this show and others like it for glamorizing teen pregnancy. These results suggest that teens have a different view. The overwhelming majority of teens report that shows dealing with teen pregnancy make them think about their own risks of getting pregnant or causing a pregnancy and that 16 and Pregnant helps young people better understand the challenges of pregnancy and parenting.
Media Monster
Much has been written about the influence of the media on teen sexual behavior. In fact, when it comes to teens decisions about sex, few topics generate as much passionate discussion as the relative influence of the media. One need look no further than the media firestorm generated by a just-released report from the RAND Corporation linking sexual content on TV with teen pregnancy. Simply put, when it comes to media influence on teens, everyone is an expert. The goal of this report is to inform practitioners and program providers about what the most up-to-date research says about teens and media influence. Specifically, the publication examines in detail how the media influences—in positive and negative ways—teen sexual knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Importantly, the report also offers practical suggestions for how those working with youth can use the media to reach young people and provides suggestions on how best to capitalize on the exploding world of digital media.
10 Tips for Foster Parents
The good news for parents and other caring adults, including foster parents, is that there is much they can do to help influence their children’s decisions about sex. Foster youth say they want to discuss sex, love, and relationships with their foster parents, but some are embarrassed or feel uncomfortable starting the conversation. The same holds true for foster parents. They often don’t know what to say, how to say it, or when to start. This guide offers some ideas to help foster parents strengthen their relationships with foster youth. It also offers some ideas on how best to communicate about sex, love, and relationships.