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Whether you are willing to admit it or not, if you have a preteen or a teenager, peer pressure and STD's are important issues that must be discussed. The earlier in a child's life they are addressed, the better. Research into this has discovered that younger children are more likely to look to their parents for help, support and answers but once they become teenagers, peer pressure takes hold and they are more likely to look to friends and the media for information.
Begin to discuss matters relating to sexual health early in. Discuss such topics as dating and relationships, STD's, HIV, etc. and provide your children with accurate knowledge relating to the dangers of promiscuity. Always emphasize making the right decisions and the importance of respecting your body. Preteens understand that actions have consequences so make sure you stress that this is particularly important when it comes to making decisions about sexual relations.
STD's are a very real reality among teenagers in the United States. Approximately 56 percent of teenagers feel that they are a serious problem and studies have borne out the truth of this. Worldwide, there are 333 million new cases of STD's occurring annually among teenagers. One out of every four new STD's is diagnosed in teenagers every year.
According to research studies, when parents discuss STD's with their children and develop a strong “parent-child connection” this plays an important role in how teens view their sexual health. Peer pressure therefore has less of a hold over the child's decision-making process. Teenagers who are close to their parents have a tendency to postpone sexual relations than those who are not as close to their parents. Those who do become sexually active in their teenage years are putting themselves at a great risk that can affect them for the rest of their lives.
As a parent it is your responsibility to educate your children about STD's. Show them pictures, have them look at the statistics but don't ignore the issue. While the
initial conversation may be embarrassing and uncomfortable for everyone involved, your children will thank you for it later.
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