Parenting Tips: Talking About Sex, Helping Your Sexually Active Teen Be Safe - Planned Parenthood

Parents - By the age of 19, seven out of 10 teens have had sexual intercourse. As a parent, we need to be as loving as possible when we learn or suspect that our sons or daughters are having sex. Teens who have a good relationship with their parents and get guidance about sex actually use condoms more and take fewer risks than other teens.

Some teens worry about their parents' reaction to them having sex. Some feel embarrassed to bring it up. Some just aren't sure how to talk about it. So it can take courage for teens to be open with their parents about having sex.

How will you talk to your teen about sex? Text "TALK2TEEN" to 69866 to let us know what you plan to do.

Need help? Visit http://bit.ly/V6BrRb or check out one of our other videos by clicking on the screen or below:

Parenting Tips: A Tool for Talking about Sex, Introduction: http://bit.ly/OzqvtW
Talking About Sex and Relationships More Comfortably: http://bit.ly/QEStTA
Helping Your Teenager Wait To Have Sex: http://bit.ly/O0CC1x

Transcript:

©2012 Planned Parenthood® Federation of America

"PARENTING TIPS: TALKING ABOUT SEX, HELPING YOUR SEXUALLY ACTIVE TEEN BE SAFE - PLANNED PARENTHOOD" - TRANSCRIPT:

MOTHER: Whether we like it or not, a lot of teens are having sex. By the age of 19, seven out of 10 have had sexual intercourse. But parents of sexually active teens can make a difference. Teens who have a good relationship with their parents and get guidance about sex actually use condoms more and take fewer risks than other teens.

Here are a few tips on talking with your teen:
Reassure your teen you love them no matter what.
Listen, no matter how you feel about what your teen is saying.
Encourage your teen to use birth control and condoms.

So, let me give you an example. Let's say you're driving to school. You could say something like...

MOTHER TO DAUGHTER: Hey, I know you and Jamal are getting pretty serious. Can we talk about it tonight when you have some time?

MOTHER: And then later, maybe when you're washing dishes, you could bring it up again...

MOTHER TO DAUGHTER: First of all, I want you to know that I love you and nothing will ever change that. And it seems like you and Jamal are good for each other.

[sigh]

I'm pretty sure you and Jamal are having sex.

[Kid mumbles "yes"]

MOTHER: Thank you for being honest with me. If you are going to keep having sex, I want to make sure you're being safe.

What are you guys doing to prevent pregnancy and STDs? Are you using condoms?

[Kid mumbles "yes"]

MOTHER: Good, I hope you use them every time. If you continue having sex, there's also birth control you can use with a condom that'll keep you even more protected from pregnancy and the condoms can protect you from STD's.

Tomorrow, let's make an appointment for you. I can go with you if you want. It's definitely not okay with me if you two aren't doing all you can to protect yourselves. I know both you and Jamal have big dreams for the future, and I wouldn't want anything to mess that up.

[Kid mumbles "yes"]

MOTHER: See? You can do this. Try it yourself with your own teen. You CAN make a difference.

TEXT: Text "TALK2TEEN" to 69866 to let us know what you plan to do.

Need more help? Visit www.plannedparenthood.org/parents or check out one of our other videos