Sex Ed Resource Guide for Teens and Parents

Parents and teens can find it hard to talk to each other about sex, with parents walking a fine line between educating their teens and giving them the freedom to make their own decisions. Teens have to deal with peer pressure and the overwhelming sense that “everyone else is doing it.” While some parents may promote abstinence, teens must have the resources to protect themselves and their bodies should they choose to have sex.

Teen Resources

Teens should have access to all of the knowledge and information that they need to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), pregnancy, and other unintended consequences of sexual encounters. Whether they opt for abstinence or engage in sexual activity, it’s important for teens to prioritize their health.

• Protection from STDs and Pregnancy – Here are some useful tips for teens to protect themselves from STDs and unplanned pregnancies.
• Yes, Abstinence is an Option – Learn more about some of the potential benefits of abstinence for teens
• Everything Teens Need to Know About Birth Control – Teens who use birth control empower themselves while having intercourse and significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy.
• Is Sex Ed Comprehensive? – Make sure that your school’s sex ed curriculum is teaching you everything you need to know. Don’t be afraid to ask your teacher questions about the sex ed program.
• Why Does Sex Ed Help Teens? – The research proves that informative sexual education courses promote the well-being of teens and their health.
• At Risk for STDs – More than half of STD cases in the United States are among people age 15 – 24.
• What are Condoms? – Condoms are a convenient form of protection from STDs and pregnancies.
• It’s Not the End of the World – Teens who get STDs can seek treatment with their healthcare providers.
• Teens and STDs – Did you know that STD infection rates are about equal between teen boys and teen girls?
• Safe Sex Techniques – Learn how to use a condom and other nitty-gritty details to make safe sex smooth and less awkward.
• Ovulation Tracking Bracelet – Teenage girls can learn more about their bodies by using this ovulation tracking bracelet.
• Using Emergency Contraception – Go Ask Alice answers a relevant question about the use of emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy.
• Birth Control Methods – Use the interactive tool to compare and contrast different birth control methods to see which one works for you.
• Will You Know if You Have an STD? – STDs can have mild symptoms. Here’s some more information about STDs and their signs.
• Can You Get Pregnant from Any Sexual Activity? – Learn which types of sexual activity can result in a pregnancy and which sexual activities can cause STDs.
• Use Trustworthy Sources – Not every website has accurate information about sex. Pay attention to which sites are legitimate. If you have more questions, ask your teachers or parents, or consult your primary physician.
• Don’t Be Pressured Into Sex – If you want to practice abstinence, be courageous and talk honestly with your partner about why you’ve decided to wait until having sex.
• Is Everyone REALLY Having Sex? – Sometimes other teens will brag about having sex to gain popularity or to seem more “grown up.”
• All About Fertility – Teens who understand their fertility are more empowered to take proactive steps to avoid getting pregnant.
• Reasons for Abstinence – There are many reasons why you might choose to abstain from having sex.
• If You’re Pregnant… – Here are tips and advice for breaking the news to your parents.

Parent Resources

There’s so much stigma around “the talk.” Parents have a duty to discuss sex with their children and educate them about making healthy choices. There is a lot of misinformation coming from social media and other teens. Parents can be role models for their teens and model open lines of communication, trustworthiness, and dependability. Teens should never feel alone when it comes to sex and its consequences.

• • Talking to Your Teen About STDs – Listen to professional advice about starting that important conversation with your teen about STDs and their transmission.
  • Be a Conversation Starter – Here are the key points to cover when discussing STDs with your teen.
  • Sex Ed Tips and Info for Parents – Educate yourself before you educate your teen.
  • Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late – The consequences of ignoring your teen’s sexual activity and avoiding the topic of sex can be catastrophic.
  • How Should You Address Sex Education? – It’s good for you and your teen’s school to be on the same page, but don’t be afraid to give your teen more information if the school’s sex ed curriculum is inadequate.
  • Everything You Need to Know About Having “The Talk” – Here’s a comprehensive guide covering every topic you might want to discuss with your teen when it comes to sex ed.
  • Not All Teens Are Alike – Sometimes, it’s best to address topics stage by stage. Younger teens have different sexual concerns than older teens.
  • Communicating Values – Explain your family values to your teen and empower them to stick to your values while feeling confident in their own decision-making skills.
  • Yes, Your Teen Wants Your Advice – Most teens say they wish they could have more information about sex.
  • More than Pregnancy Prevention – It’s not enough to tell your teen how to avoid pregnancies. Focus on overall sexual health.
  • The Importance of Open Communication – Make sure your teen feels safe coming to you about their sexual concerns.
  • Psyche Yourself Up – Don’t enter the conversation with your teen unprepared. Make sure you’re ready to talk to your teen about sex.
  • Don’t Go With the Flow – Set the tone for your conversation with your teens about sex before social media gets to them first.
  • Start the Conversation – Bypass the awkwardness with these ten sex ed conversation starters.
  • Trust and Honesty – Here are some basic guidelines and principles to facilitate the sex talk with your teen.
  • Keep Your Cool – Don’t freak out when your teen starts the conversation about sex. Keep the lines of communication open.
  • When Pregnancy Happens – If your teen does get pregnant or fathers a child, you can still guide them through this difficult time.
  • How Soon Can Your Teen Start Birth Control? – Make sure your teen is honest with you about sexual activity so you know when it’s time to schedule a doctor’s appointment for a birth control prescription.
  • Parents Are Crucial – Teens admit that their parents are still the biggest influence when it comes to their decisions about sex.

Ava Editorial