ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH

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

WASHINGTON, DC (October 17, 2001) Advocates for Youth today urges parents to talk to their teens about sex during October's LET'S TALK MONTH.

"With more than 800,000 teens becoming pregnant each year in the United States and close to four million contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it is critically important for parents to talk with their young people about issues of sex and sexuality," said James Wagoner, President of Advocates for Youth.

Open communication with trusted adults helps young people develop responsible, positive attitudes and behaviors about sexuality. Research shows that teens who have discussed issues of sexuality with their parents are more likely to begin having sex later in life and to use contraception correctly and consistently when they do become sexually active. And the reality is that by age 18, 70% of all young people are sexually active.

"At a time when nearly half of all new HIV infections occur in those under the age of 25, American youth need to protect themselves from unintended pregnancies, HIV/AIDS and other STIs. It is imperative that teens get the right message on sexuality from adults they trust," said Wagoner.

"While teens prefer to learn about sexuality from their parents, the adults are often worried and uncomfortable about initiating these discussions. They fear that discussing sex will encourage young people to be sexually active. But research shows that sexuality education does not cause young people to have sex earlier or more often. In short, telling teens about sex will not encourage them to have sex," said Wagoner.

LET'S TALK MONTH is a natural starting point for concerned parents and other adults, religious leaders, youth-serving professionals, 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 and is celebrated in almost all 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 adolescent sexuality experts, please contact Bill Barker at (202) 419-3420.

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