Statement of Problem:
Regardless of the fact that teens are fully aware of the consequences of pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases when being engaged in sexual activity, many teens think that they are invisible to the “World of STDs”. According to the CDC (Center for disease control and prevention) an estimated 19 million infections occur each year, almost half of them are among young people from ages 15 to 24. Teens often allow their emotions to dictate their intelligence and actions. There are over 25 types of STDs and one of the most common STDs is HPV (Human papillomavirus). The youth need to embrace a powerful mindset including consensual safe sex.
Significance Parents
Sex is a topic that some parents stray away from when it comes to talking to their children. Communication is key in any relationship and it is necessary to talk about being ready mentally if the child decides to be sexually active then the next step is cautioning the child about the consequences. The best time for parents to discuss with their children about sex is during their preteens or early middle school years. Of course, the exact age varies from child to child: some kids are more aware of sex at age 9 than others are at age 11. You'll need to read your child's cues - when he or she starts having questions about sex, it's a good time to talk about STDs.” Questions are a good starting point for a discussion. When kids are curious, they're more open to hearing what their parents have to say. Another way to initiate a discussion is to use a media cue, like a TV program or an article in the paper, and ask your child what he or she thinks about it.”(RevolutionHealth). When speaking with your child remember to explain that oral sex is also being sexually active. Even doctors consider oral sex to still be sexually active. “People who begin having sex at an early age, who have many sex partners, or have sex with somebody who has had many sex partners, are at greater risk of contracting HPV.” (thinktwice.com)The human papilloma virus, which leads to cervical cancer, is the least concerned STD that is acknowledged by people. Yet “about 3,870 women will die from cervical cancer in the United States during 2008.”(Cancer.org). Females are not the only sex that can be infected by HPV males are just as likely to be infected. According to the American Cancer Society “about 1,530 men in the U.S. were diagnosed with cancer of the penis in 2006”.(webMD.com). Enlighten your teens about the repercussions of being sexual active.
