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FOR PARENTS

 

Why talk to your teen about sex?

“In national surveys conducted by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, teens report that their parents have the greatest influence over their decisions about sex—more than friends, siblings, or the media. Most teens also say they share their parents’ values about sex,
and making decisions about delaying sex would be easier
if they could talk openly and honestly with their parents,”
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014).

 

“Teens who talk with their parents about sex are more
likely to put off having sex until they are older. They
are also more likely to make healthy choices, like using
condoms to prevent pregnancy and STDs (sexually
transmitted diseases), if they do choose to have sex,”
(Office of Disease Prevention and Health
Promotion, 2019).

 

What tools are available to get the
conversation started?

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      ice and start these critical conversations so that                     

      your kids get the accurate information they need.

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  • Girlology: Medically accurate puberty education and support for girls (of all ages) and parents to prepare for what's ahead. Created by two physician moms to help you navigate the journey with all the facts and greater confidence. 

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  • HealthyHCPS.org: A resource for Hillsborough County Public Schools’ students and parents to learn about sexual health and the comprehensive sexual health curriculum.

 

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The University of Michigan Adolescent Health Initiative offers the following tips for how to be an “askable adult” to help foster a safe space for youth to discuss sensitive issues and feel comfortable asking you for support.

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Being an Askable Adult

  • Convey warmth through body language

  • Use a nonjudgmental tone of voice

  • Use open-ended questions

  • Practice active & reflective listening

  • Do not make assumptions

  • Give affirmations; do not deny, criticize or shame

  • Make sure conversation focuses on adolescent

  • Provide clear information, no opinions

  • Discuss confidentiality

 

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  • Planned Parenthood: Video series and website with tips for parents on starting open, non-judgmental conversations with children about sex, puberty, bodies, and relationships.

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  • Sex Positive Families: Provides parents and caring adults with the education, resources, and support they need to raise sexually healthy children using a shame-free, comprehensive, and pleasure-positive approach.

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  • Teen Speak: Dr. Jennifer Salerno developed the Teen Speak series to help parents confidently connect with their teens on common risk behaviors like substance use, sex, and mental health concerns.

ADOLESCENT HEALTH TRAININGS

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Request a Parent Training

Want to learn more about how you can support teens in making healthy decisions?

Email us  to request an Adolescent Health "SPARK Training" for your parent group or organization.

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View the following pre-recorded Parent Trainings:

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Educational Sessions for 4th & 5th Graders

Check out the following educational videos on puberty (for 4th graders) and healthy relationships (for 5th graders) from the SHARE (Sexual Health & Relationship Education) Collective, a group of local physicians and medical students with a mission to support and advocate for the teaching of comprehensive sexual health to all Hillsborough County students.

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References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017, April 19). Parent and guardian resources. Retrieved August 15, 2019, from https://www.cdc.gov/teenpregnancy/parent-guardian-resources/index.htm

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014). Talking with your teens about sex: Going beyond “the Talk”. Retrieved August 15, 2019, from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/protective/pdf/talking_teens.pdf

 

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2019, March 27). Talk to your kids about sex. Retrieved August 15, 2019, from https://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/parenting/healthy-communication-and-relationships/talk-to-your-kids-about-sex

 

University of Michigan Adolescent Health Initiative. (2017). Spark: Being an askable adult. Retrieved August 15, 2019, from https://www.umhs-adolescenthealth.org/improving-care/spark-trainings/being-an-askable-adult/

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