Parents can support activities, organizations, and schools that are committed to helping children. Showing children how to behave can be more influential and have a longer lasting impact than simply telling them. Parents can help their children avoid risky situations. Accountability can be a valuable tool in protecting children and adolescents from risky situations and behaviors. For example, knowing what children are doing and with whom, encouraging children to associate with children around their own age, and encouraging participation in organized, after school activities such as clubs and sports yield accountability and allow parents to facilitate the development of healthy friendships, interests, and interactions.
Open communication is essential in helping adolescents postpone sexual involvement.
Parents should create an environment where children know they can share their concerns and feelings and have them accepted. Parents can use educational opportunities to reinforce their family's value system and the expectations that have been established. Parents can also help their children and themselves by learning to recognize the signs of risky behavior and becoming familiar with ways to help children avoid or abstain from such activities. Sexuality is an ongoing process for youths and adults. This process can be enhanced through open, honest communication.