Table of Contents

Facts

• More than 5 percent (one in 20) of women age 15-17 get pregnant each year.
• The rate of abortions has declined.
• A high proportion of teen mothers have been victims of sexual abuse at some point in their lives.
• Youth are having sex at earlier ages, a majority now initiate sexual activity between age 15 and 17.
• Fathers average 3-6 years older than teen mothers.

What works

Community response:

• Parents talking openly with children about the choices they face and the consequences
• Comprehensive sexuality education, starting at early ages
• Age appropriate information for boys and girls, delivered by peers and other trusted persons
• Early attachment to school and community activity

Public-policy response:

• Resources to communities and schools for comprehensive sexuality education
• Public-information campaigns to make teens aware of the consequences of early childbearing
• Offer youths positive alternatives of job training and higher education
• Sexual abuse prevention and intervention

Sending a clear message to teens...

• Every 26 seconds a US teenager becomes pregnant
• Every hour, 56 children are born to teenagers

Some kids are having sex as early as 10 years old.

Silence breeds babies

• Young people who do not talk about issues of sexuality can breed babies because they are not communicating... they are just doing what they think they should do.
• Parents who do not talk to their kids about sexuality can breed babies because they have not taught their children their values regarding these issues.
• Kids who do not talk with their parents about issues of sexuality can breed babies because they have not learned about their own family's values regarding these issues.
• Communities can even breed babies if they do not address the problem of teen pregnancy... it's a problem that impacts teens in every town across the US.

Communication Skills

Good communication includes...

• "I" statements.. speak only for yourself
• Avoid speaking for others
• Avoid bringing other people or situations into the conversation
• Be clear and direct; say what you feel
• Ask questions to confirm that you understand what the other person has said

Communication tips for kids and adults

Kids

• Be patient. Remember, your parents are still learning too. They don't have all the answers, but they can help you find out.
• Try to relax. Don't worry if you feel nervous or silly-- that's normal. It does get easier with practice.
• Write it down. Especially when bringing up a very sensitive subject. It may help you to write your thoughts and questions in a note to your parents.
• Listen to your parents. Practice being a good listener and let your parents know you care about their opinions.
• Make a date. Pick a time and place to talk where you won't be interrupted. Insist on privacy.
• Start conversations. Most parents want to talk about sexuality, but some parents don't know how to get started. Use TV programs or movies as a way to bring up the subject. When they do talk to you, let them know you appreciate their efforts.

Parents

• Tell it like it is. Avoid fables, vague explanations and untruths when talking about issues of sexuality, conception and birth.
• Talk about humans. It's confusing to talk only about animals when your child wants to know about people.
• Listen to your child/ show interest. When your child approaches you with a question or concern, stop and listen. Move toward the child, to his/ her level. Contain your own immediate reactions (shock, advice, solutions) while you explore what she/ he is trying to say.
• Give simple explanations. Use appropriate names for part and functions of the body. Children need a language to use when talking about their feelings, ideas and concerns.
• Be patient. Expect the same questions and concerns to resurface. Children have difficulty grasping some information. They often need repeated assurance about the changes they are going through.
• Get to know your children's environment. Current jokes, TV shows, and news programs they watch, the music they listen to-- these will provide unlimited opportunities to discuss sexuality issues.
• Introduce the topic. Bringing up issues from time to time will give the message that you are open and available to discuss sexuality. Your child may put you off-- but that doesn't necessarily mean she/he knows it all or doesn't want to talk.
• Keep the door open. Let your child know that you are available for other conversations or questions on this topic.

Communication tips: door openers and door slammers

Door Slammers	Door Openers
"You are too young/old to understand"	"What do you think?"
"If you say that again I'll..."	"Do you know what that means?"
"That's none of your business"	"Mom and dad are spending some special time alone together."
"I don't care what your friends are doing."	"This is why I feel that way..."
"We'll talk about that when you need to know."	"That's a good question."
"That's just for boys (girls)."	"I don't know but I'll find out."

One million US teenagers will end up pregnant this year.

60% of US teens will have experienced sexual intercourse before their 18th birthday.

Girls are having sexual intercourse at 14 and boys are starting at 12.

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