ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH

Let's Talk … About Sex

October's LET'S TALK MONTH Encourages All Parents to Talk to Their Children About Sex and Sexuality

Interview Opportunities Available Immediately With Teen Sexuality Experts

WASHINGTON, DC (October 1, 1999) Advocates for Youth today urges parents and children to begin talking about sex now, during October's LET'S TALK MONTH. With nearly one million teens becoming pregnant and as many as three million acquiring a sexually transmitted disease each year, it is critically important for mothers and fathers to talk with their young people about issues of sex and sexuality.

Open communication with trusted adults helps young people develop responsible, positive attitudes and behaviors about sexuality. Research shows that teens are more likely to begin having sex later in life when they have discussed sexuality with their parents. Moreover, those teens who do decide to become sexually active are more likely to use protection when their parents have discussed sexuality with them—and by age 18, more than 60 percent of young people are sexually active.

Advocates for Youth's President, James Wagoner, believes it is imperative that teens get the right message on sexuality from the right people. "Young people get messages about sexuality everywhere they turn, from music videos and books, television, advertising, and their friends. Sex sells everything from athletic shoes to cars," said Wagoner. "Few of these subtle and not-so-subtle uses of sex convey positive values. Where are young people to learn about values such as responsible behavior, concern for the well being of others, and caring about themselves? One very effective source is their parents," he concludes.

Children prefer to learn about sexuality from their parents, but parents are often worried and uncomfortable about initiating such discussions. They fear that discussing sexuality will encourage young people to be sexually active. But research shows that sexuality and HIV education do not cause young people to have sex earlier or more often. In short, telling your kids about sex will not encourage them to have sex.

LET'S TALK MONTH is a natural starting point for concerned parents, adults, religious institutions, youth organizations, community agencies, health providers, and the media to encourage one-on-one conversations with youth to ensure that all young people have access to the information they need to make responsible decisions about their sexual health.

LET'S TALK MONTH was founded by Advocates for Youth's Director of Sexuality Education, Barbara Huberman, and is celebrated in a number of states throughout the country. Advocates for Youth is a national, nonprofit organization that creates programs and supports policies to help young people make safe, responsible decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

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Note to Editors and Producers: For more information or to set up an interview with teen sexuality experts, James Wagoner or Barbara Huberman, please contact Bill Barker at (202) 419-3420.

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