The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents start talking to children about sex when they first ask, usually between the ages of 3 and 4, where babies come from. Although many adolescents may say they know everything about sex, studies have found that many adolescents are incompletely informed about sex and sexually transmitted infections.
As a parent, you are the best source of accurate information for your adolescent. However, many parents are unsure how to begin talking about safe sex with their adolescents. The following are some tips on how to approach the topic of safe sex with your adolescent:
- Talk calmly and honestly about safe sex.
- Practice talking about safe sex with another adult before approaching your adolescent.
- Listen to your adolescent and answer his/her questions honestly.
Topics that are appropriate for a safe sex discussion may include STIs and prevention, peer pressure to have sex, birth control, different forms of sexuality, and date rape.
Your adolescent's healthcare provider may offer in-depth and accurate informal education classes regarding safe sex practices. School sex education classes, counselors, and books may also help address some issues.