Teaching Your Teens About Sexual Responsibility and Sexual Health

Learning about sexual health means learning about:

Body image and self confidence
Understanding sexual feelings and attractions
How to manage intense emotions
How to express closeness
Considering the needs and feelings of their partners
Not having sex if the young person or their partner is not ready
Ways to prevent and reduce harm
Good decision-making skills
Discussing the kind of relationship both partners want

How you can help

Discussing the emotional aspects of a sexual relationship will enable teenagers to make better decisions in their relationships. It is helpful for young people to think about their own values about sex and sexuality, and decide what they feel comfortable with before getting into a sexual situation. For example, it's OK to say 'no' to sex.

Teens need the skills to make sound decisions about relationships and sexual intercourse and stand up for those decisions e.g. to say 'no' if that's what they choose. They need to know how to negotiate protected sex and other forms of safer sex when ready for sexual relationships.

Young people want to enjoy their sexual experience and to have enough information and confidence to be able to prevent themselves coming to any harm. It is important that they know know where to access help and support and sexual and reproductive health services

Teens also need skills to recognise a situation that might turn risky or violent, and to deal with pressures for unwanted sex or drug use.

Communication Tips for Parents

Before you start to talk to your teen try to be clear about what you want to communicate and why. Be open to learning from them and show them you are willing to really listen. Don't interrupt when they are talking and avoid questions which can only be answered with a 'yes' or a 'no'. Instead invite them to give an opinion or explain what's important to them.

Whenever possible, assure them that you will respect their confidence and privacy. At the same time, ask them to respect yours. If you want to give them advice or guidance, explain the reasons

Minimising Risks With Alcohol & Drugs

Parents are often anxious about possible use of alcohol and other drugs by young people. Risk-taking increases under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. Sex without a condom with casual sexual partners is more likely to happen when a person is affected by alcohol or other drugs.

Parents can help by setting some boundaries for their children about alcohol use.

Pour only their own drinks or allow only trusted people to buy drinks for them
Have a trusted person stay to mind their drinks when they are dancing/away from their drinks
Never get into a car with a driver who has been drinking or using drugs
Having a non-drinking or drug-taking friend with them to ensure their safety and get them home
Always have taxi money and a cellphone or a phone card for emergencies
Know they can call you any time of the night or day and you will be supportive even if annoyed
Plan ahead with you about how to handle potential emergencies