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You Just Found Out Your Teen Is Having Sex. Now What?

Our staff share insights on the importance of sex ed, access to services, and how to be an askable adult.

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August 8, 2024

In a new article from HuffPost, Ellen Friedrichs—a health and sexuality educator—talks about how parents and caregivers can separate fact from fiction and respond in a way that makes their teen feel comfortable and safe.

“Despite what a lot of people think, teens are generally less sexually active than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic. And they are certainly having less sex than teens were when most of us parents attended high school.”

“It is also important for adults to understand that while sexual intimacy can be a developmentally appropriate and positive experience for older teens with caring partners, American adolescents face multiple barriers to achieving optimal sexual health.”

“Some parents might mistakenly assume that they are a trusting, caring adult for their kids when it comes to sex…whether your child initiates a discussion about sex beforehand or you become aware of a situation afterward, be mindful of how you approach the conversation.”

Read more from Jerrica and Mac from our Capacity Building department, as they chime in on the importance of comprehensive sex education and services and how parents and caregivers can be an askable adult.Read more

Jerrica Davis, MPH, is passionate about all things youth development, reproductive justice, and adolescent sexual and reproductive health. With experience in facilitating sexual health and social emotional learning programs for adolescent girls, she loves empowering young people and is excited to help others do the same. Read more about Jerrica.

Mackenzie Piper, MPH, CHES, is passionate about all young people having access to comprehensive and inclusive sexual health information and services. She has experience providing training and technical assistance to healthcare and social service providers, and facilitating comprehensive sex ed programs to young folks. Read more about Mackenzie.

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