“I’m pregnant.” It’s a statement no parent of a teen wants to hear. But worse is the thought that if your kids are sexually active they might be HIV-positive - a distinct possibility in SA.
New research paints a shocking picture of SA teens’ sexual behaviour of. Thirty-five per cent of kids under 18 have had sex, a fifth of 15-year-olds are HIV-positive and children as young as 10 are losing their virginity, according to a Stellenbosch University study.
More than 72 000 teenage girls missed school in SA in 2005 because they were pregnant, compared with 66 000 in 2002. But why, when the dangers are so evident, are young people still engaging in risky behaviour?
“Teenagers are having sex not only because of peer pressure but because of issues such as absent parents,” psychologist Tracy Watson says. “Other reasons include the use of recreational drugs which are easily accessible and alter moods and behaviour, and kids living in households where sex talk is taboo.”
Youngsters who watch a lot of TV unsupervised are also at risk - new US research shows teen girls who watch programmes with a high sexual content such as Friends and Sex and the City are twice as likely to become pregnant than those whose viewing is restricted.
“Programmes such as these glamorise sex while hardly mentioning its downsides, such as pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs),” a researcher says.
YOU asked experts for advice for parents. Here’s an extract - see the 16 July issue for the full article.
*The key to teens delaying sex and protecting themselves against early pregnancy and STDs is for parents to talk to their kids - and continue talking.
*Encourage young people to delay their first sexual experience until they’re in a committed and trusting long-term relationship.
*When your children ask questions about sex don’t fob them off. Start talking about sex as soon as they become curious about it.
*Always be open and honest, and use correct names for sex organs and sexual behaviour.
*Make sure discussions are ongoing - a 15-year-old’s issues are different to an 18-year-old’s.
*Teens who are sexually active need to know that if they broach the subject their parents won’t judge them.
*Talk about the realities of teen pregnancy, HIV, single parenting, the loss of reputation and so on.
*Explain the responsibilities that come with sex and educate teens about various contraception methods as well as both partners being tested for STDs.
USEFUL NUMBERS
*For confidential information on STDs/HIV, contraceptives, sexual health and other sex-related questions call Disa Health Care clinic on 011-787-1222.
*Or call LoveLife on 0800-121-900.
