Welcome back! This post concerns talking to your teens about sex. There can be many harmful consequences involved with teens engaging in sexual activity. Is there a way to encourage teens to avoid sexual activity? Is there a way to possibly prevent some of these consequences? This week we’ll be discussing some of the consequences your teens can face and how you, as parents, can help them get through this!

MEDIA

 A large percentage of teens admit to engaging in sexual activity because of a certain show they watch. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2792686/ Parent! Ask yourself these questions: What kind of shows and media are these teens watching? How is the media directly affecting the teen’s mentality? If what they’re watching encourages sex, is the show at least somewhat teaching them about how to use contraceptives?

 Opening communication with teens could possibly direct their thoughts toward not engaging in sexual activity. Give your opinion. By opening communication and giving your opinion, you allow your teens to feel confident that they’ll have someone to turn to. Once you and your teen are comfortable talking, you can freely exchange ideas and calmly discuss the topic.

DEPRESSION

Although sexual activity is pleasurable, it can lead to depression. Studies show that once teens engage in sexual activity, they will start to feel depressed. Once the depression kicks in, the teens will look toward sexual activity (because its pleasurable) to make them feel better, creating a never-ending cycle. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/promoting-empathy-your-teen/201301/link-between-sexual-promiscuity-and-depression-in-teens In some extreme cases, this has led to suicide. Teens hide things very well. It’s just part of life: Growing up, finding their own ideas, and slowly creating themselves is a difficult process. If what they want is not in harmony with what you want, they might feel like hiding things is the best option. Their depression will most likely be handled the same way.

 In the words of John Green, “Teens believe they can never be irreparably broken. They think that they are invincible.” http://www.suescheffblog.com/invincibility-theory-among-teens/ This is why, as parents, you need to pay attention to your teen. They want freedom, individuality, and independence. But sometimes, they need help. You can act as a beacon of hope and show them how to regain happiness. If something like this occurs, be a support system. Ask your children question. Pay attention to the people they’re around. Offer your help gently, giving them a choice, but showing that you’re there if they need you.

As parents, you love and raise your children in the way you see fit. If you teach them, they KNOW the information. Once they reach a certain age, it is up to them to do what they have been taught (or NOT do what they’ve been taught.) It’s difficult to watch, but offer assistance! Let your teens truly begin to live their lives in the way they believe

STD

Teens are the group of individuals most susceptible to STDs. https://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/adolescent-development/reproductive-health-and-teen-pregnancy/stds/index.html Many teens don’t even know all the STDs they are capable of contracting! Many schools do not do a well enough job of teaching their students about STDs and the issues that STDs cause. Only the most common STDs are taught, and many students are not encouraged to find out more information. Students need to be able to get help if they contract an STD. If teens are engaging in sexual activity, they need to be aware of what they need to do to prevent STDs.

 Others don’t think that it can happen to them. If they have never gotten an STD, many believe it will not ever happen to them. This kind of thinking can result in them contracting an STD and not getting help, ending in a dangerous situation. Parents! You should discuss STDs with your teens and encourage them to avoid sexual activity or to properly use a contraceptive (to avoid pregnancy and disease).

Again, schools so not teach about contraceptives well. https://www.cdc.gov/std/life-stages-populations/stdfact-teens.htm Parents should discuss the teens knowledge about them. Its better to be sure your teen knows, that just assume they do and they possibly get a disease. If sexual activity is what your teen chooses, speaking with a doctor, (teens, parents, and a doctor) is strongly encouraged to ensure that the best contraceptive is used for your teen.

Conclusion

Parents! You should talk about the consequences of sex with your teens. Discuss their views on it, how much they actually know, how they feel about it, and kindly offer your opinion. Many teens are unaware of the issues that can stem from sexual activity or from lack of using a contraceptive. Having open conversation with your teen leaves way for you (as parents) to help them in issues they would otherwise face alone.

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