The United States is sometimes referred to as a  "hyper-sexualized society" which basically means that sex is all around us and thought about constantly.  

Sex can be frowned upon and at the same time celebrated.  

It can be used for appeal, and at the same time, be scary.   

It is used for marketing and advertising and is a major part of pop culture in the entertainment industry via music, movies, and television.  

The rise of the internet and social media not only provided the opportunity for easy access to sexual content but also, the opportunity for people to share sexual images more frequently.  

Plus..teens are still faced with influences and expectations from their families (parents), cultures and religions.  

 Now add all of these influences to the ongoing biological processes of puberty and adolescence with it's hormone surges...

All of this equals out to a constant barrage of pressure, both externally and internally, for a young person to find out their sexual identity, Peer Pressure to be sexually active or not, and the role of sex and intimacy in relationships in an almost daily decision-making process from a young age.  

For some, these decisions are easy.  While others find it quite confusing and daunting.  

This website will help students receive or review information contained in Health courses for grades 6-12

 Talking about sex with your parents can be scary…particularly if your parents are the kind that usually don’t talk about private matters with you.  Some teens are scared to talk with their parents because they automatically think they will get into trouble.  Others, just don’t know how to start the conversation.  In addition, parents, sometimes, are just as scared as you to begin “the talk”.  

Communication and Honesty is always the best policy when dealing with parents and building trust.   Even if you make an un-healthy decision, break a rule, or do something else to violate one of your parent’s expectations…....you may receive consequences but they will be far less than if you lie about it.  Most kids would do almost anything rather than talk to their parents about sex but it shows great maturity in initiating the conversation yourself.  Often parents are just as scared as their children to have the talks.  Some react in anger why others shock.  

Below are some ideas how to start “the talk” with your parents and begin the discussion about sex.  Just remember, although your parents will respect your open communication with them and in the long run, it will develop a better, stronger relationship with them…they may not give you the answer they want.  They are still your parents and they are going to answer you how they think is best and for your protection.  Give them a break but give them the courtesy too.  

Anyway…ways to start “the talk” coming from a teen to their parents rather than the typical vice versa! 

1) Just do it:   come right out and say, “These kids were talking about sex today….I’m confused “ or “I have some questions about sex”

2) What do you think?:   Say something like, “Dad/Mom, I saw some kids on tv talking about being pregnant…what do you think?” 

3) What if…..:  say "I really like (insert name here) and I’m afraid that if I don’t sleep with them, we’ll break up” 

4) Everyone’s doing it:  Say “A lot of kids at school are talking about having sex.  It seems like everyone is doing it.  Are they really?”   

5) Hit and Run:  Too scared or nervous to face your parents?  Try leaving them a note or email…”Mom/Dad, I’m really confused about sex and I’d like your help.  Can we talk sometime? 

6) Headline news:  If you see something about HIV/AIDS or teen pregnancy, bring it up and share it with your parents at dinner..” yesterday, I was reading”  or “ earlier I saw  .. 

7) Don’t freak out:  Start off by saying, “Dad/Mom, don’t freak out…..I’m not having sex and I’m not planning on having sex but I have a few questions and want to talk to you about it” 

8) Blast from the past:  “What was dating like when you were my age?  Did you have sex?…be honest!  Do you regret it?  Would you do it again if you could go back in time? 

9) Role Reversal:  Your parents may be more nervous than you are about talking about sex, so just say “ Mom.Dad..I think it’s time to start the talk” 

10) Catch them on the web:  Find an educational link about topics regarding sex.  Send your parents a link and ask them to sit with you and review it with you…you can start a conversation for sure.