TAKE THE TIME TO HAVE THE TALK

 

Parents, have you had the talk with your children yet? Are you afraid to talk to your child about safe sex? It is crucial to understand the importance of talking to your child and educating them on the subject of safe sex. Many parents shy away from the idea of talking to their children about safe sex for many reasons. Some parents think that it would be embarrassing or uncomfortable to talk about sex with their children, while others may feel that sexual education within school is sufficient enough.

While sexual education in school may very well be sufficient in educating young adults about the practices of safe sex and contraception, what happens when the young adult does not receive the education soon enough or not at all? The CDC states “Just as schools are critical settings for preparing students academically, they are also vital partners in helping young people take responsibility for their own health.” While the family plays a large role in reinforcing health education among young adults, schools are the primary place responsible for the development of young adults second to home.(CDC)

According to the CDC by the time that young adults graduate high school, two thirds of them have had sex, and nearly forty percent of sexual active students did not use a condom the last time they were sexually active. The CDC also states that among students surveyed in 2013, 47 % had ever had sexual intercourse, and 15% had participated in sexual activities with four or more people during their life. (CDC) Sexual activity remains to be an activity that is starting at an earlier age. There are many possible explanations for this occurrence.

Parents, did you know that nearly half of the 20 million new STDs each year were among young people, ages 15-24? (CDC)  Don’t be afraid to talk to your children about their sexual education within their school district. Take the time to have “the talk” with your children, and they will thank you later. Sexual education doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Learning begins at home.

 

Sexual Risk Behaviors: HIV, STD, & Teen Pregnancy Prevention. (2015, September 1). Retrieved October 6, 2015, from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/sexualbehaviors/

HIV/STD Prevention At a Glance. (2015, September 1). Retrieved October 6, 2015, from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/about/hivstd_prevention.htm