WHY TALK NOW?
While each family is different, when it comes to our kids, we all want the same thing: to provide them with the tools they need to navigate adolescence and young adulthood feeling confident and prepared.
However, a long-standing narrative persists that hinders realizing this aspiration. Some adults believe their children do not want to talk with them about sexuality because it's "too awkward" while others think they will "figure it out with the help of their friends". But nothing could be further from the truth. Too often parents and guardians don't feel prepared to have these conversations, but youth are seeking answers. This gap must be filled.
So why talk with your child now?
Because, truly comprehensive sex ed does much more than underscore ways to prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection. When youth are afforded the opportunity to have meaningful discussions with parents, teachers, and other trusted adults about sexuality, it helps build capacity around healthy relationships, communication, bystander intervention, sexual consent, and emotion regulation--providing young people the skills they need to mature into caring, ethical, and respectful adults.
76 percent of teens say it would be easier for them to delay sexual activity and avoid pregnancy if they could have more open and honest conversations about sexuality with their parents. (1)
43 percent of parents said they feel comfortable talking to their kids about sexual health and sex. (2)
Sources:
1. Power to Decide, National Poll 2013
2. Let's Talk: Are Parents Tackling Crucial Conversations about Sex? National Poll, 2011