Parents

As parents, you need to be aware that there is an epidemic of STDs in this country. There are real physical and emotional consequences for sexually active teens.

  • Each year, there are approximately 19 million new STD infections, and almost half of them are among youth aged 15 to 24.4
  • In 2007, 48% of high school students had ever had sexual intercourse, and 15% of those had had four or more sex partners during their life.1
  • In 2002, 55% of males and 54% of females aged 15-19 had engaged in oral sex with someone of the opposite sex.2
  • In 2006, an estimated 5,259 young people aged 13-24 in the 33 states reporting to CDC were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, representing about 14% of the persons diagnosed that year.3
  • In 2002, 12% of all pregnancies, or 757,000, occurred among adolescents aged 15-19.5

 

The good news is teens report that you are their major factor of influence!

  • Start early with honest answers that communicate your values.
  • Prepare your answers before they ask.
  • Be informed and up to date.
  • Know the influences of media, peers, alcohol and other risky Behaviors.
  • Explain the risks.
  • Stress the rewards of abstinence.
  • Be present and stay committed.
  • Build character and life skills.
  • Your child is worth waiting for.

 

Parent Resources:

www.medinstitute.org

www.4parents.gov

www.youthdevelopment.org

www.awaitandfind.org

www.familyfirst.net

www.parentsfortruth.org

www.abstinenceclearinghouse.com

 

References

  1. CDC. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance—United States, 2007 [pdf 1m]. Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report 2008;57(SS-4):1–131.
  2. Mosher W, Chandra A, Jones J. Sexual behavior and selected health measures: men and women 15-44 years of age, United States, 2002. Advance Data from Vital and Health Statistics September 15, 2005; Number 362:21-26.
  3. CDC. HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report, 2006. Atlanta: US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2008;18:11.
  4. Weinstock H, Berman S, Cates W. Sexually transmitted diseases among American youth: Incidence and prevalence estimates, 2000. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2004;36(1):6-10.
  5. Ventura SJ, Abma JC, Mosher WD, Henshaw SK. Recent trends in teenage pregnancy in the United States, 1990-2002. Health E-stats. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. Released December 13, 2006.