Teenagers need to be warned about STDs

• Sometimes it's difficult to see your child as anything but that: a child.
• They learn about violence and sex through the media and their peers, but they rarely have all the facts.
• That's why it's so important for you to talk to your child about sex, particularly sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
• Teens are one of the groups most at risk for contracting STDs.
• You can help your child stay safe just by talking to him and sharing some important information about STDs and prevention.
• But the best time to start having these discussions is some time during the preteen or middle school years.
• Of course, the exact age varies from child to child: some kids are more aware of sex at age 9 than others are at age 11.
• You need to read your child's cues - when he starts having questions about sex, it's a good time to talk about STDs.
• Another way to initiate a discussion is to use a media cue, like a TV program or an article in the paper, and ask your child what he thinks about it.
• Spend time talking with your child from the beginning and it'll be much easier later to broach topics like sex because he'll feel more comfortable sharing his thoughts with you.
• Make him feel that he's in charge of this talk, not you, by getting his opinion on whatever you discuss.
• You might also ask what your child or teen thinks about sexual scenarios on TV and in movies and use those fictional situations as a lead into talking about safe sex and risky behavior.
• While nonxynol-9 has been shown to reduce the risk of contracting gonorrhea and chlamydia, it is important to note that nonoxynol-9 does not protect against AIDS.