Parents and advocates of teenagers can and are taking steps to help prevent these statistics from increasing. One strategy is to increase communication and awareness regarding sexuality. Talking about sex has never been an easy thing for most Americans. Among young women recently surveyed, nearly half reported feeling somewhat or very uncomfortable discussing sexuality with their parents. There are many great reasons to discuss issues of sexuality with the adolescents in our lives.
Current research shows that communication about sexuality is time and energy well spent.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 47. A Research Synthesis of Family Influences on Adolescent Pregnancy. New report finds five young people infected with HIV every minute. Strategies for Talking to Teens about Sexuality Educate teens about all options. True, abstinence is the only foolproof contraception.