Popular misinformation about certain sexual behaviors should be corrected. For example, teens should know that masturbation will not lead to blindness or hair growth on their palms. On the other hand, many teens are kept in the dark about facts they may need. Educators can bring useful information to light. For example, if teens are not prepared and have unprotected sex anyway, they should be aware that there is something they can choose to do to avoid becoming pregnant.
Emergency contraception is safe and effective, even after intercourse, if it is taken in time.
Clarify your own values. All of us have values that we bring to the work we do. Some of those values, however, may be better left at the door before we enter into a discussion of sexuality with teens. Our own values and opinions should be separate from the factual information we provide to students. A priority for educators who teach adolescents is to facilitate their learning of accurate information rather than share our own personal opinions and values.