Peer educators stress that messages reflecting both abstinence and safer sex are needed for a well rounded approach so that young people can choose what is right for them and their lifestyle. Adolescents also need social skills to enable them to follow through with decisions. Emphasis is placed on teaching teens how to talk about sexuality with partners. Role plays are often utilized so that students can practice social situations. Peer educators argue that students are in the best position to provide information on sexuality and HIV to other students.
Attention is given to making the presentation of material interesting, fun and interactive.
Although some schools have begun to incorporate AIDS education, serious gaps still exist. A 1991 study found that over half of entering high school freshmen felt they were at less risk of contracting AIDS than other people. These studies indicate that distorted perceptions of adolescents and young adults regarding HIV still exist. Adolescents most often do not discuss sex with their parents and most parents find this subject uncomfortable and embarrassing. Open and honest communication is likely best facilitated when parents initiate discussion with their kids, but this is only an ideal for many families.