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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I talk to my kids about STDs?
Start early. Research shows that young children are most likely to look to their parents for guidance regarding tough issues. However, as they reach adolescence, they tend to depend on their friends and the media. Take advantage of the opportunity to talk to your young children about issues of sexual health. In talking to your kids about issues like dating and relationships, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and HIV, you will leave a lasting impression. This will help you provide your children with information that is accurate and reflects your personal values and moral principles.
My kids aren't even dating. Do I still need to talk to them about STDs?
Yes! Your children need information about relationships and sexuality before they start dating. Talk to your kids about the biological aspects of sexuality, as well as the responsibility and feelings involved in relationships. By talking to them ahead of time, you will enable your children to think about their sexual boundaries early on, not in "the heat of the moment." They will be aware of the pros and cons of sexual relationships and have better information with which to make informed decisions. While providing information at any time is helpful, providing your children with information prior to the event will allow them to prepare mentally and emotionally.
Research consistently shows that parent-child connectedness is directly related to teen sexual health. Studies show that teens who are close with their parents are more likely to remain sexually abstinent and postpone intercourse, or if they become sexually active, to have fewer sexual partners and use contraception more consistently than children who are not close with their parents.
For more information about family influences on adolescent sexual activity,
see Miller's 1998 book called Families
Matter: A Research Synthesis of Family Influences on Adolescent
Pregnancy.
How do I bring up the subject of sex and STDs with my children?
Don't wait for your children to ask you about sex, HIV, or STDs. While you want your children to feel comfortable coming to you with questions and concerns, it doesn't always happen. Initiate conversations on your own. Use everyday opportunities to talk about issues important to sexual health. For instance, use current events or news stories, music, television, or movie content to bring up health topics. If you're watching TV with your son and the program's plot includes a pregnant teenager, ask him what he thought of the program when the show is over. Did he agree with the behavior or decisions of the teenagers in the show? Just a few questions can start a valuable conversation. Let the discussion flow naturally from there.
What do I do if I don't know the answers to some of my child's questions?
It's OK if you don't know all of the answers to your children's questions. It's OK to say "I don't know." As long as your children know they can come to you for accurate and honest information and advice, you're on the right track! Let them know you will help them find the answer. In fact, if you don't know the answer to your child's questions, you can make the search for the correct information an activity that you do together.
How prevalent are STDs among teenagers?
STDs are extremely common in the United States. Fifty-six percent of teenagers think STDs are a big problem for people their age. They're right!
- Globally, 333 million new cases of curable STDs occur each year among young adults.
- One in five people in the United States has an STD.
- One in four new STD infections occur in teenagers.
- One in 10 teenagers knows someone who is HIV-positive.
How can I be more involved in my children's personal lives without invading their privacy?
One of the best ways to be involved in your children's lives is to make sure they know they are loved and that you are available to help with any questions or concerns they may have. Here are some other tips:
- It is important your children understand that you have high expectations of them. Let your children know how highly you value education and that you want to make sure they have attractive options for the future.
- Make sure you know your children's friends and families.
- Establish rules, curfews, and standards of expected behavior through an open process of respectful communication. It is your responsibility as a parent to be involved in your children's lives and activities.
Keeping open lines of communication and establishing a standard of respect within a loving family will allow you to do so without invading your children's privacy.
Where can I get more information about STDs and sexual health?
You can get more information about STDs and sexual health from a variety of places. In addition to resources available on the World Wide Web, you can get information from your physician, local clinics and hospitals, and at the library. Several national hotlines also provide information regarding sexual health and STDs. Please see our Resources for Parents section for specific information.
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