Teens need to know a lot more about HIV infection and AIDS than do younger children.
Teens are more likely to face choices about drug and alcohol use, and sex.
Because alcohol and drugs can cloud thinking, teens need to learn that using these substances can cause them to make decisions which can put them at risk. They need to learn about the issues that the disease poses for society, such as the importance of opposing prejudice and discrimination. Give a definition of HIV infection. Point out that as of December 1993, more than 361,000 Americans have AIDS and that nearly 68,000 of them are between the ages of 20 and 29. A significant number of these people would have been infected when they were teenagers.