Let’s Talk About Sex

Through TV, social media and their peers, teens are exposed every day to risks like substance use, sex, violence and more. Data shows that children as young as 11 years old are engaging in risky behaviors, often without an adult ever knowing. Asking about these behaviors through routine risk screening is key to prevention.

In particular, statistics show the importance of asking and talking with teens about sexual health:

  • 80% of sexually active youth have had sex in the last 3 months
  • 20% have been in an abusive/coercive relationship in the last 12 months
  • 15-24-year-olds make up just over one quarter of the sexually active population, but account for half of all new STIs, according to the CDC

Teens want to talk about sex, but often don’t know how. Talking with teens about sex doesn’t cause them to start doing it or to think that it is OK. Talking about sex gives teens the opportunity to voice their questions and receive information and education on how to make more positive choices and encourage them to continue conversations at home.

Not sure where to start? Adolescent Counseling Technology for Sexual Health (ACT-SH) can help! 

ACT-SH works WITH you to provide youth with interactive and engaging, evidence-based assessment and coaching to guide them in creating personalized safer sex action plans. ACT-SH does the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on next steps with youth to help them achieve their safer sex plan. ACT-SH can be a powerful tool to help understand the needs of our youth and standardize the care they receive. Research shows teens who talk with trained adults and their parents engage in less risk than those who don’t.

Risk screening can help open the door for more honest conversations between parents and teens, fostering stronger relationships and communities. Schedule a call with us today to learn how ACT-SH can support your important work with youth.