On Wednesday we hosted a live twitter chat with Dr. Amy Schalet, author of Not Under My Roof, an exploration of attitudes toward teen sexuality in the U.S. and the Netherlands.  Here's a recap of the lively chat!  Don't forget to like Not Under My Roof on Facebook! 

How do ‪LGBT youth issues play out in the Dutch approach (also, what are similarities & differences w/US)?

The Dutch try to "normalize" same-sex sexualities--just as they do adolescent sexuality generally: One Dutch father I interviewed volunteered that his teenage daughter might prefer girls. But of course there is also still homophobia, despite efforts at "normalization" at home and school.

Has immigration to the Netherlands, especially by Muslims, changed the dialogue around sexuality?

Dutch sex education has become more sensitive to the fact that among Muslim groups virginity is highly valued; also emphasis on respect for diversity in cultural values around sex.

We know the Dutch have comprehensive sex ed in schools. Does it adequately address ‪LGBT student issues? If yes, how? Further, what can we learn from the Dutch re adequately incorporating ‪LGBT student issues in comp sexuality education?

Some deal positively and playfully with GLBTQ issues: "Next to whom do you want to wake up in the morning?" (male/female?) writes one sex ed textbook about sexual orientation. But there is no standardized curriculum in the Netherlands, so not all curricula do enough. The Dutch do a good job of addressing feelings and relationships around sex; including positive ones. US sex ed needs to do same: talk about feelings, relationships for LGBT and straight kids. Most important—it must not ignore the experiences of LGBT youth, as is often the case in US curricula.

Do you think your research and conclusions would apply equally to youth of color in each country?

Yes and no. In the US, ideas about hormones, battles of the sexes, etc seem similar across diff. groups. But youth of color in US (and NL) are more likely to face economic disparities and racial stereotypes. Complex issue to address on twitter!

Do you think the experience of Muslim youth in NL is more cultural/racial or religious?

All of the above, but there are different issues--religion and culture shape parental approaches, esp. for girls In NL, the experiences of Muslim youth are quite different from those of native Dutch--more constraints, especially for girls.

How would you describe Dutch attitudes toward abortion - is it easy to obtain, frowned upon, etc?

Dutch teens 16 and up may consent to abortion: which is free of charge. The Dutch teen abortion rate is less than half of US rate. But abortion is seen as option of "last resort": it must be available, but contraception is emphasized in sex ed and counseling.

What is the short and practical meaning of sexual health for young people? And their parents?

A good question but hard to answer. It means knowledge/skills/resources to understand feelings, make decisions, enjoy experiences, protect against risks.

Can you talk a bit about the A B C D’s you address in your book?

A = autonomy: know own feelings, make own decisions, can express own wishes/boundaries, enjoy + protect

B = build good romantic relationships and relating: mutual interest, respect, deal with conflict positively

C = Connectedness between teen and parents (and other care providers): open/accepting communication helps

D's = respect diversity of orientation/values and remove disparities in access to resources

Are other forms of contraception besides pill/condoms common among Dutch youth – such as the IUD, shots etc?

No, not so much. The Pill predominates: 6 out 10 Dutch girls/women are already on the pill at first vaginal intercourse.