DID YOU KNOW?
-The United States has the highest teen birth rate of all the industrialized nations.
-Each year 745,000 teen girls under the age of 20 become pregnant in the United States.
-Less than half (40%) of teen mothers who have a child before they turn 18 graduate from high school and less than 2% will go on to graduate college before the age of 30.
-The daughters of teen mothers are 3 times more likely to become teen mothers themselves.
PLANNED PARENTHOOD
Planned Parenthood is dedicated to providing teens with the knowledge, information and services necessary to empower them to lead healthy and sexually responsible lives. Panned Parenthood achieves our goal through several school and community based programs:
Teen Success- A year long, weekly support group that empowers teen mothers to maintain their current family size, finish school and plan positive futures for themselves and their children. For more information please call (805) 963-1445 x.149
Peer Advocates/Amigos Positivos- An award winning peer education program offered in local junior and senior high schools. The students complete 14 interactive and empowering lessons on self-esteem, decision-making, family and relationship communication, puberty, sexual health, and HIV/AIDS. They must complete homework and field assignments, including taking care of an infant simulator, Baby Think it Over. Peer advocates are provided with the tools and resources to lead healthy and sexually responsible lives and are resources to their friends, classmates and family members. For more information please call (805) 963-1445 x. 143.
Community Based Education- Planned Parenthood of Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo Counties' Community Health Educators provide comprehensive, medically-accurate information on sexual health and healthy relationships on college campuses, to local community groups and in long-term peer to peer mentoring programs.
TIPS FOR TALKING WITH CHILDREN & TEENS ABOUT SEX
We all want our children to lead healthy, rewarding lives and that means providing them with the tools necessary to keep them healthy in all circumstances.
-It's best to start talking with your children about sex and sexuality in early childhood---but it's never too late! Take advantage of "teachable moments"-- everyday opportunities to talk about sex. These may include, watching tv, listening to music, reading magazines and newspapers, or eating dinner.
-Try to be open and available when your child or teen wants to talk.
-Remember your tone matters. Be calm and warm.
-Some useful conversation starters:
For Young Children: "Do you know the names of all your body parts?" or "Your Aunt is pregnant. Do you know what that means?"
Pre-Teens: "People change a lot during puberty. What have you heard about the changes people experience during puberty?"
Teens: "At what age is a person ready to have sex? How should a person decide? or "At what age do you think someone is ready to be a parent?"
For more resources on talking with your children and teens about sex, please visit:
www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/parents-4412.htm
