Though teens are constantly bombarded by sexual activity in TV shows, music videos and movie theaters, they know precious little about the sexual health services that can help them be more responsible and less at risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This irony underscores the need for more relevant provider-focused outreach that educates teens on contraceptive services, HIV/STD testing and practical solutions for overcoming peer pressure to have sex.
A recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation sheds light on the sex education teens need most. The study, which surveyed 1,012 high school students, found that teens needed to have more information about:
- where to get tested for HIV and other STDs (54%);
- where to get contraception (40%); and
- how to use condoms (30%).
Fortunately, the social climate for addressing sexual issues with teens is much more receptive than a few years ago when schools shied away from the subject and parents were in denial about the need to have frank discussions about sex with teens. Most parents support schools offering comprehensive sex education and only a few advocacy groups are screaming for abstinence-only programs, says Tina Hoff, Kaiser's director of public health information and communication.
But physicians are often squeamish about broaching the subject with their adolescent and teen patients. They need to step up their involvement by providing objective teen counseling and advice. "Physicians, especially OB/GYNs, have tremendous influence with young patients and can educate them on getting tested and their contraceptive options," says Hoff. Teens need to know what basic health resources are available and providers should take the lead in their community to get the word out. For instance, the Kaiser study found:
- More than two in five teens surveyed who have had sex do not know birth control pills can be obtained without a parent's permission.
- One in five teens do not know free or low-cost family planning services are available for those younger than 18.
To be effective, outreach initiatives must approach teens in a non-judgmental way with respect and dignity, says Hoff.
Beyond Birds and Bees
Teens respond most to in-your-face messages that provide straightforward information in a hip, cutting-edge way. Kaiser and MTV are using this public awareness approach to educate teens about contraception, HIV and other STDs. The two organizations partnered to produce "I Need Sex Rx," a half-hour special that aired last week on MTV. The show follows several young people as they seek various healthcare services, including an HIV test, a gynecological exam and emergency contraception. The show is part of an ongoing "Be Safe" media campaign on sexual health issues that includes a free booklet, It's Your (Sex) Life: Your Guide to Safe and Responsible Sex, that healthcare organizations can distribute.
Parents also need to be more aggressively targeted with tips and advice for discussing the S-word with their teens - and generic birds-and-bees explanations won't cut it. October is National Family Sexuality Month and Planned Parenthood offers community organizations a full range of outreach tools for helping families become more comfortable with talking about sexual topics. The campaign is supported by 54 national organizations and a PSA airing nationwide.
"Parents are primary educators of sexuality, it's important for them to be able to incorporate sex into normal conversation with their children," says Mike McGee who heads up education services for Planned Parenthood.
(Kaiser Family Foundation, Tina Hoff, 650/854-9400; Planned Parenthood, Mike McGee, Colleen McCabe, 212/261-4719)