Teenagers Safe Sex

Teenagers Safe Sex

• Teenagers sexual behaviour has changed in the last 20 years. There is an increased focus on sex in the media, menstruation begins earlier and people marry much later.
• It's a long time between sexual maturity and marriage or the desire to have children.
• Young people need information about sex, particularly safe sex and use of contraceptives because of AIDS, hepatitis and other sexually transmitted diseases. They also need to know their rights and responsibilities.
• Ignoring discussion of sexual issues is not very realistic. Remember that:
  • sex is a normal and healthy part of life, a source of comfort and pleasure and can be part of a relationship with someone we care about
  • telling teenagers not to have sex doesn't help them learn how to protect themselves
  • teenagers need information on how to protect themselves.
• Teenagers don't use contraception for the following reasons:
  • they may not have had any sex education
  • they fear their parents will find out
  • they might believe that sex is meant to be spontaneous, not planned
  • they might think that condoms are only to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
• The WA Health Department runs a youth safe sex campaign and can provide information on safe sex, how to talk about it with your teenager and where to get extra information, counselling or personal advice.
• Some ways to help teenagers make decisions about safe sex include:
  • encouraging them to TALK to their partners about what is a big step - and its consequences
  • rehearsing what they might say in particular situations
  • encouraging them not to give in to peer pressure
  • researching safe sex, pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases for themselves
  • being prepared if they decide to go ahead - to have and to use condoms
  • making sure young people have accurate information about sexual intercourse.

Parenting tips & parenting articles copyright & courtesy
Department for Community Devlp, Australia.

The Law On Teenagers :: The Police On Teenagers :: Teenagers School And Employment
Teenagers Marriage And Sex :: Teenagers Safe Sex :: Teenagers Health
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