Talking to Teens About Sexual Health

Talking to teens about sexual health can be difficult. Ideally, “the talk” would have started long before teenage-hood and spread over multiple conversations versus one stand alone “talk”. .
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Teenagers typically talk more to their friends about sex than parents or other adults. The reason for this is usually because it’s nonjudgmental, on-going conversations where they’re in it together. .
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3 tips for starting the talkS with teens! .
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1. Avoid the “expert” role, rather ask what your teen knows already and if they have questions - they may not start talking about it right away but you’ve opened the door and avoided a top-down dynamic. .
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2. Do not take an abstinence based stance. Chances are even if your teen hasn’t had sex yet by taking an abstinence based stance, the conversation will be shut down and perceived as judgmental.
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3. Invite your teen to have on going conversations with you about sexual health at their own pace, when they are ready. Advise that you will be there for them in whatever capacity they need.