General Forums >> Sex & Relationships >> What do you think about teen sex & pregnancy?
What do you think about teen sex & pregnancy?
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Posted 2 months ago I posted the topic, "The Pregnancy Pact" and I've been reading some of the replies. Seemingly most of you that have replied have mentioned that we should teach or children about sex and everything that does and can come with it. I agree. I'm wondering how do you think we should go about this in a family setting as well as a societal one? I think it needs to start at home and branch out from there. I don't understand why so many people are against it being discussed or taught in school. There are so many kids that feel more comfortable talking to a stranger (possibly a teacher) about things that make them feel uncomfortable such as sex. So, why not allow it in schools? That brings another thought to mind... if as parents/guardians we just took the time to talk to kids period maybe it would be easier for them to come to us with such hot topics. My mind goes all over when I think about these sort of things. So... What do you think about teen sex and pregnancy? How do you think we can get through to our young ladies of today? Need Breeds Ingenuity! |
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| Posted 2 months ago I remember one time during my school year this year. I go to Catholic school, so they're actually allowed to push chastity on you in school. I never had this kind of thing last year, in public school.
They had a group come in, called Generation Life. They were all in their 20s, and looked to me like the kind of people that I would kill to be friends with. Then they came and told us all about chastity, and saving yourself for marriage, and also about the pro-life movement (which doesn't have much to do with this, but whatever). When I saw these "cool-looking" people, doing something that mattered to them, it really moved me. I ended up changing from pro-choice to pro-life because of them, and I joined GenLife less than a week later.
I wouldn't be able to talk to my mom about these things. Not only would she take the "you can't have sex until you're 33" angle, I'm afraid that every time she looks at me, she'll be thinking, "I can't believe my daughter thinks these things." That's also the reason why I couldn't talk to a teacher, or other adults that I actually know.
But I'd feel more comfortable talking with someone in their 20s, who could relate to me. Adults...well, they really don't know at all for the most part. They tell us "DON'T HAVE SEX. I don't care about the rest of your life, I don't want to even know who you really are, but don't have sex." How can I trust someone who doesn't even know my favorite band, or my personality? I can't, and that's what adults seem to expect us to do.
What I want is....there's a guy. He used to run my youth group, and now he's one of the main members. His name is Vinnie. He's in his 20s, he goes to UPenn, we share the favorite band, we have similar personalities, and I would trust him with anything. Adults need to find people that we can talk to, that we can trust, that share our interests and have a similar personality. |
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| Posted 2 months ago I think being honest about what responsibilities come with having sex is the best policy. I also make sure to baby sit over night babies every now and then, just to keep my kids realizing that you can't just put a baby in the crib and leave it alone. I've also made sure that my girls know if they need protection or want to talk about sex then I'm here. One last thing that I did was make sure one of my friends, whom I trust, went to my daughters and told them that if they needed to talk or needed something that they could come to them and it would be held in confidence. This way I know that they have someone other than mom (sometimes kids are just weird about going to the parent) to talk to about sex and boys. It's someone that I can trust to uphold my values and guide my girls in the right direction. In the old days neighbors looked out for each other when it came to the kids, now with most parents working this isn't the case anymore. But the old saying "It takes a town to raise a child" is so true almost more today. Heck when I was a kid my mom knew everything I did and it was nothing for my friends mom to discipline me and send me home for my parents to discipline some more. |
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| Posted 2 months ago I agree that abstinence isn't the only topic that needs to be discussed in regard to sex. Especially considering that MANY teens now and since decades back have chosen to have sex before marriage. Those teens have the right to know how to protect themselves and parents are the most RESPONSIBLE in teaching them. We would never tell our kids to learn how to drive by themselves - bc it's one of the most dangerous things they'll do - even with classes! But many are more than willing to leave it up to them to "make the right decision to NOT have sex" - then they end up alone w/ another guy/girl, both with pretty much no knowledge of what they're doing or how to do it safely. At some point they'll be alone, at some point they'll be tempted. Why not teach ALL about abstinence, love, the consequences, the emotions, the feelings, etc. but ALSO teach everything else so if they DO make the life-changing decision to lose their virginity/have sex, they can do it responsibly, with their eyes open as to what the consenquences could be w/ and w/out protection? "People will forget what you say, they will forget what you do, but they will never forget how you made them feel!"-Unknown |
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| Posted 2 months ago This is a very complex and complicated topic. Yo u are sure to stir up feelings that will range from liberal and understanding stances to conservative and judgemental opinions. Some will even engage in a defensive mode if they (like me) was a teenage mother. I had a supportive family which allowed me a comforatble transition from young girl to mother with responsibilities. I really think its awful when others judge young mothers, especially if they have not been in that circumstance. Would I want my daughters (or sons) to become teeenage parents? No. Because I know the struggles and sacrifices that occur. Sex ed from the family unit is at least a way to start communication about a socially private topic...it opens the door for verbal exchange at least. |
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| Posted 2 months ago so take a look at this...
http://www.womenco.com/news/1235-adolescent-sexual-health-in-europe-and-the-uswhy-the-difference and then let's discuss Ann M. Evanston, MA
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