Words Can Work > Issues and Answers > Adolescent Mental Health: Depression



View all issues

Sexual health Talking with kids

Does teaching young people about birth control while encouraging them to delay sex send a mixed and confusing message?

The American Academy of Pediatrics says teens need to be able to get birth control and emergency contraception, and need to learn about the benefits of abstinence. A Kaiser Family Foundation survey shows that most parents support this comprehensive approach to sexuality education.

The government’s own research supports giving children alI the information. Research from Dr. Kim Miller at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that when parents talked honestly with their children about sexual health – and conversations included information about reproduction, birth control, and values – their children were more likely to delay intercourse. And, if they did have sex, they were more likely to use protection.

Get the story to learn how some families handle talking about birth control and abstinence.

Learn the facts about sexuality education.
Find the answer offers tips to help your family talk about sexual health.

Next >> Get the story

Next >>

Sexual health   Kids and oral sex
Sexual health   How parents teach
Sexual health   Growing up gay
Drugs   Prescription drugs
Drugs   Cocaine and addiction

Read more issues >

	Words Can Work: When Talking With Kids About Sexual Health - Book Families tell true stories about discussing sexual health. Teens, in first-person accounts, take readers into their world.
	Alcohol: True Stories Hosted by Matt Damon - DVD Young people tell their powerful stories about drinking and driving, addiction, and avoiding alcohol use.
See more products >