Massive study shows parents who talk with their kids about sex results in more safe sex behaviour

[Delta4Embassy]

Talking with teens about sex: Do's and don'ts for parents

"Researchers from North Carolina State University, in Raleigh, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reviewed medical literature including 52 previous articles on the topic that spanned 30 years of research and included more than 25,000 adolescents.

Their analysis found that parent-adolescent communication about sex had a small but significant positive effect on safer sex behavior in teens, increasing their likelihood of using condoms and contraceptives. That association was stronger for girls and stronger for adolescents who discussed sexual topics with their moms.

The study authors also reported that the link between parent communication and a teen's contraceptive and condom use was significantly stronger for girls than boys.

"Results of this study confirm that parent-adolescent sexual communication is a protective factor for youth," they wrote."

lots more at link including a do's and don'ts for the chat.

 

[Delta4Embassy]

Some selected excerpts from the do's and don'ts:

""Let's not wait till your 13-year-old is pregnant to have a conversation," said Moscicki.

She also reassured parents that talking about sex does not make your kid want to have sex. "There is a lot of literature that shows that.""


DON'T overshare

"Kids don't want to know about their parents' sex life, or what happened to you when you were a teen," said Walker.

UCLA's Moscicki agreed: "Personalizing it - that's what really turns kids off."

Moscicki said, instead, if you want to start a conversation, try referring to an article you read or something you're watching on television.

"Your kid may surprise you and say, 'I am not ready right now and not planning on it.'""


Some of the suggestions are a bit dubious and sound more like PC run amok thinking, but I'll leave it to you to decide.