Anne Arundel County Department of Health - Tips for Parents: Talking to Your Teens About Sex and Other Health Topics

Tips for Parents: Talking to Your Teens About Sex and Other Health Topics

Updated: 11.17.11

It is important for parents to talk to their teens about sex, STIs*, tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Teens want to make their own decisions, but their parents and their peers also influence them. Studies show that young people whose parents talk to them about sex and other topics are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Here are some facts and advice to help you become more knowledgeable and more comfortable when speaking with your teen.

*Note: The term sexually transmitted infections (STIs) refers to any infection that can be spread through sexual contact. These infections are often referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The terms, STI and STD, have the same meaning.

Be aware of these facts about young people:

In 2009, 452 babies were born to Anne Arundel County mothers ages 19 and under. Pregnant teens and their unborn babies have unique medical risks, including high blood pressure, low birth weight and premature birth.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are STIs that can cause sterility (inability to have babies). In 2009, 36 percent of chlamydia cases and 31 percent of gonorrhea cases were diagnosed among Anne Arundel County teens ages 19 and under.
According to a 2009 national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, 67 percent of high school students reported having had at least one alcoholic beverage and 37 percent reported regularly drinking alcoholic beverages.
In Anne Arundel County, 6 percent of eighth graders smoke. By twelfth grade, the percentage of smokers increases to nearly 29 percent. (2008 Tobacco Survey)

What your teen needs to know about sex:

Practicing abstinence is the only sure way to prevent pregnancy and prevent getting an STI.
There are risks of getting an STI by having vaginal, oral or anal sex, even if a condom is used.
The use of alcohol and drugs may affect the ability to use good judgment and make decisions, including those related to sexual activity. Unwanted pregnancy, date rape, sexual violence or other physical injuries can be the result of alcohol and drug use.

How do you begin talking to your teens?

Clearly state your values and morals, so your teens understand how you feel about drugs, alcohol, STIs, teen pregnancy and teen sex.
Listen to your teens to find out what they know or don’t know about these topics. Remember, you have the greatest influence in your teen’s life. It is never too early to talk to your teens about drugs, STIs, teen pregnancy or teen sex.
For more tips, view Talking Together Makes a Difference (PDF).

What does the Anne Arundel County Department of Health offer for parents and teens?

The Healthy Teens and Young Adults Outreach and Education Program provides information packets to help adults talk to teens. Call 410-222-4468 and request the Talking To Your Teen Kit.
Health educators are available to speak to groups of parents, teens and community members for free. Speakers may be requested by calling 410-222-4468 for sexual health information or 410-222-6724 for alcohol and drug information.
The Healthy Teens and Young Adults Clinic provides medical services for teens, such as:
- Physical examinations
- High school sports physicals
- Pap tests for cervical cancer screening
- Laboratory tests for anemia
- Counseling on sexual health and general health topics
- Counseling, testing and treatment for STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis, human papillomavirus (HPV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Education on birth control methods and supplies
- Pre-conception health counseling
- Free pregnancy tests
- Free emergency contraception
- Medical social work services
- Referrals for additional care as needed
Health educators and medical staff are available to answer questions about teen health. You can call the following programs:
- Healthy Teens and Young Adults Program, 410-222-4468
  Provides outreach and education to teens, schools and community groups.
- Alcohol and Drug Prevention Services, 410-222-6724
  Provides information about alcohol and drug prevention. Referrals for treatment are available.
- HIV and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Program, 410-222-7382
  Provides free and anonymous HIV and STI counseling and testing located throughout the County.
- Immunizations Program, 410-222-4896
  Provides recommended immunizations. Parental consent is required.