The adolescence stage is very delicate and guiding the adolescents on sexuality and sex education should be a priority for most parents in order to protect them from unwanted pregnancies and STIs such as HIV which can be a threat to their well-being. Adolescents can become promiscuous at this stage and therefore, understanding sexual development is crucial among the adolescents who draw inspiration from the environment they live in. At this age, the cohort is curious and experimental on sexuality. They tend to emulate the adult mentors on matters regarding sexuality and drug use. When parents take drugs and practice prostitution in front of the cohort, the adolescents can emulate the behavior through social learning (Health Communication Capacity Collaboration, n.d). This is exactly what happened to Melissa. Her mother used to bring multiple sexual partners in the house and in the process, she found herself having copied the mother’s habits and became sexually active at a tender age and also started abusing drugs that made her situation worse.
Through comprehensively teaching and learning about emotional, cognitive, social, and physical aspects of sexuality, teens are equipped with vital skills, knowledge, and values that empower them to realize and value their dignity (WHO,2018). It is also effective in helping the adolescents in understanding how the choices they make impact their well-being and those of others. Parents are supposed to help the adolescents with transitioning to adulthood and master the changes that are likely to occur. According to WHO, knowledge gaps and misconceptions about sex lead teens into promiscuous behavior (2018). Also, at this age, the cohort is not prepared for the changes that occur which increase their vulnerability.
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Sex education is critical for this cohort to help them learn about reproductive health and preparedness for the changes that come in this stage. The most effective counsel is teaching the cohort about safe sex and abstinence. This is a crucial way towards impacting values in the adolescents so that when acquiring behavior, they are able to make informed decisions. A study by Kim & Rector (2010) shows that teens who abstain report better psychological well-being and exceptional educational attainment when likened to those who are sexually active. Parents' involvement in delaying adolescents' sexual behavior can decrease the risks that come with STIs, childbearing, and psycho-emotional harm (Kim & Rector, 2010). Abstinence and saying no to sex is the only safe way for teens to avoid sexual risks like contracting sexually transmitted diseases. It is proper for a parent to begin teaching their child about safe sex before they become sexually active. If Melissa’s mother played her role of providing sexual education to the daughter, she could not have engaged in unprotected sex that led to her contracting an STI.
Safe sex guidelines for this cohort result in responsible sexual practice. This helps reduce exposure to dangerous infections that come with unsafe sex (Stanford Children's Health. n.d). Below are the six guidelines that would be useful to parents to guide teens regarding sexuality.
Thinking twice before kicking off a new relationship with a partner. This cohort needs to find out the history of the partner's history on drugs, STIs, and past relationships.
The emphasis on the use of Latex condoms to prevent STIs. In case of allergy to Latex material, Polyurethane should be used
During oral sex, ensure the partner has a condom to prevent mouth infections.
Visit healthcare provider to carry out regular Pap tests if you are over 21 years
Frequent testing for STIs so as to obtain treatment in time if infected
Consider sexual activities that do not involve penetration or oral intercourse. This means that there is no exchange of fluid which reduces the chances of infections
Overall, parents' involvement in adolescent sexuality is key and a great way to help them practice safe sex. It is important to kick off the education before the adolescents become sexually active for it to be effective.
References
Health Communication Capacity Collaborative, T. (n.d.). Social Learning Theory . https://www.healthcommcapacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/SocialLearningTheory.pdf
Kim, C. C., & Rector, R. (2010). Evidence on the Effectiveness of Abstinence Education: An Update . https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED509485.pdf
Stanford Children's Health. (n.d.). Default . Stanford Children's Health - Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=safer-sex-guidelines-for-adolescents-90-P01645
World Heath Organization. (n.d.). WHO recommendations on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights . http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/275374/9789241514606-eng.pdf?ua=1
