Abstinence "Not Now" (Grades 5 & 6) Parent-Child Retreats Puberty Teen Pregnancy Prevention Birth Control Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) HIV/AIDS Sexual Harassment Body Awareness Sexual Jeopardy Dating & Relationships Child Sexual Abuse Awareness
Abstinence
Without resorting to fear-based materials, preachy slogans or biased statistics, Planned Parenthood promotes abstinence as a positive, healthy choice for individuals. Participants learn assertiveness skills to help them communicate their decision to wait. While we teach abstinence as a component in many of our workshops, we also offer it as a stand-alone program.
"Not-Now" (Grades 5 & 6)
The "Not-Now" program is offered to students in Grades 5 & 6, and consists of six interactive workshops. The purpose is to help young people delay first intercourse by stressing abstinence as the best choice for them. Some parts of the program use video presentations. Each session includes a question and answer period, and a question box is provided for students wishing anonymity.
Parent-Child Retreats
Planned Parenthood's Parent-Child Retreats provide an opportunity for parents and young people to get away together to learn how to communicate more effectively about sexuality. During these day long retreats, parents and their children participate in activities, watch videos, and join in discussions under the guidance of Planned Parenthood educators.
Puberty
Preteens and young teens need to understand the physical changes that occur during puberty and feel reassured that what they're experiencing is perfectly normal. Our educators also help students cope with the biological, emotional and social changes that go along with growing up.
Teen Pregnancy Prevention
In this program, we help participants explore the reasons teens become pregnant and help them understand the differences a pregnancy would make in their lives. We cover teen pregnancy statistics and promote abstinence as the preferred method of pregnancy prevention. If desired, the program can conclude with a quick overview of birth control methods, or a video that shows an actual teen birth.
Birth Control
Our one-or two-part workshops help pre-teens understand their risk for pregnancy, debunk myths about teen pregnancy and birth control, demonstrate birth control methods, and promote abstinence as the best way to avoid an unplanned pregnancy. If needed, this presentation may begin with a review of the male and female reproductive anatomy and the basics of conception. We review and demonstrate the variety of birth control methods, emphasizing those that are most effective. We remind participants that their birth control method may not protect them from sexually transmitted infections.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
In this program, we help participants understand how easily sexually transmitted infections are spread, using a game format and photo illustrations. We explain the various kinds of STIs and the symptoms that indicate when an STI may be present. We identify risky behaviors and stress prevention methods, including correct condom use.
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS may be covered as part of the STI workshop or given as a stand-alone presentation. In addition to providing factual information about HIV and its transmission, the workshop helps participants understand that they, too, can be at risk for the disease. We emphasize prevention, especially abstinence and correct condom use.
Sexual Harassment
Statistics show that many students are targets of sexual harassment. Our workshop defines harassment and clarifies the difference between flirting and harassing. We also help students empathize with victims of harassment and suggest ways to deal with harassment when it occurs.
Body Awareness
Through activities and videos, educators provide an overview of the male and female reproductive system. We discuss the biological and physical functions of the human anatomy using proper terminology. Depending on your program objectives, we may also cover fetal development and puberty.
Sexual Jeopardy
This program is a simulation of the Jeopardy game show with categories that focus on sexuality issues. It's a fun way to review facts and present new information.
Dating & Relationships
What are relationships and how do they evolve? What qualities within a relationship are most important to me? What are the responsibilities inherent in dating? Do males and females have different expectations about relationships? These are some of the questions participants will address as they work through the values clarification exercises in this workshop. Dating safety (date rape prevention) can also be included in the workshop.
Child Sexual Abuse Awareness
After defining sexual abuse and reviewing rules for personal safety, our educators use role-playing to help students practice safe responses to threatening situations. Students are encouraged to think of trusted adults to whom they could turn if they ever experience abuse.
Please contact us for additional information, or to schedule a program.
