Teens and Sex Education

If you are one of those parents who knows you should talk about ‘the birds and the bees’ but don’t quite know where to start, this article will give you a clue. You need to really understand your kid before you embark on a sex education conversation or you’ll never get far.

Why is sex education important?

1. Teens are not yet mature human beings and they don’t have much self control. This makes them a prime target for casual sex. Studies show that most high school girls are made pregnant by older boys or men.
2. Teen pregnancies are still a source of fear for many parents. A teenaged girl is not ready to have a child (mentally or physically) so her health, as well as her baby’s health, will be compromised. Early pregnancies can also put an end to a promising future. Most times, teenaged girls who give birth become single mothers as their partner is not committed to the relationship or to a fatherly role.
3. Abstinence is not a reality, although parents fervently wish it is so. So don’t forbid sex and expect your children to follow orders. Recent surveys indicate that more than 50% of high school kids have had sex at some point in their lives. Is it really impossible that your kid is one of them?
4. Sexually transmitted diseases (or STDs) are a real possibility if teens are not fully aware of the consequences of sex.
5. Misinformation has been one factor contributing to unwanted pregnancies and spread of diseases. Just think -would you rather your teen read rubbish in a magazine or got the correct information from you? Don’t expect your kid to learn from his friends either. They are immature people too.
6. Teens realize that their bodies are changing, so you can’t pretend that your adolescent is an ignoramus and leave it at that.

What do you say?

If only it was that easy! Parents need to test the water carefully, and then plunge in if the timing is right. If you are uncomfortable with the subject, you can try the roundabout way, until you feel the kid will respond. Otherwise, it’s best to approach directly. Some of you may be surprised how cooperative your teen will be-too much so, in fact! But now that you started, don’t suddenly mumble unintelligible words and back off.

The responsibility of sex education falls on parents and teachers.
Here are the basics your teen should know:

1. The reproductive systems and how they work. This doesn’t need to be a science class. Your teen should already know these topics (it is a part of the school curriculum) but you can test the knowledge. It’s better to get the kid talking, if possible.
2. How pregnancy occurs and its consequences (i.e. the big responsibility, how it disrupts normal life). The girls should understand the menstrual cycle.  
3. The positives of abstinence and the importance of waiting for the right partner or for marriage to have sex  (this may not be practical advice for some)
4. Using condoms and birth control methods. Some parents think giving such information may encourage sexual activity. It depends on the way you tell them. Be crystal clear where you stand.
5. STDs(AIDS, gonorrhea, syphilis, Chlamydia)  and the risk involved in sex