Parents — It’s time for that talk

October marks Let’s Talk Month, aimed at getting families talking about sexual health and relationships. A survey out this month, commissioned by Planned Parenthood and New York University’s Center for Latino Adolescent and Family Health, shows that while most parents are talking about sexual health and relationships with their children, too many aren’t talking often enough or clearly enough about critical topics to help young people make healthy decisions.

For example, more than 20 percent of parents have never talked with their 15- to 21-year-old about strategies for saying no to sex, birth control methods or where to get accurate sexual health information. More than 30 percent of parents have never talked with their 15- to 21-year-old about where to get reproductive health care services.

Parents have an opportunity to make a real difference in their teen’s sexual decision making by talking about whether or not their teen is ready for a sexual relationship and why, emotions that accompany having sex, what to expect from sexual relationships, and the advantages and disadvantages of having sex. It’s also important that parents ask clear, direct questions so they know what’s going on in their child’s life instead of guessing.

Currently, Hawaii’s teens rank lowest in the nation for condom use and have high rates of sexually transmitted diseases. Hawaii’s youth also rank lowest in the nation for use of any type of birth control to prevent pregnancy during intercourse. The consequences are severe — Hawaii’s teen pregnancy rate is tied with South Carolina’s as the 10th highest in the country and costs Hawaii taxpayers around $37 million per year. Clearly, “the talk” is overdue.

Planned Parenthood of Hawaii encourages parents to use Let’s Talk Month to ask clear, direct questions about relationships and sexual activity so they know what is happening in their child’s life and can share their own values with their children.

Parents might consider using pop culture that touches on sexuality, relationships and reproductive health to find ways to have honest conversations about these topics. Watching television together or following the same TV shows can provide natural moments to spark conversations: Once you’re talking about characters’ relationships or storylines, it may be easier to communicate your values, and find out what your children are picking up from the world around them.

Planned Parenthood of Hawaii is here to help parents and their children talk more often and more in-depth about the things that matter. We are committed to making sure that parents can address the important elements of decision making with their children, as well as their own beliefs and values about sexuality and relationships. Plannedparenthood.org has resources, guidance, videos and apps designed to make starting and continuing these conversations easier.

At Planned Parenthood of Hawaii, its award-winning education team helps parents and teens to open the lines of communication and helps to encourage them to have ongoing conversations about sexuality and relationships. Educators provide youth with medically accurate, age-appropriate sexual health information in public and private schools, through community- and faith-based agencies and through outreach at community events. We also reach parents and trusted adults through a workshop — Helping Our Parents Educate. For more information on Planned Parenthood’s education and training services, contact the organization at education@pphi.org.

So this October, use Let’s Talk Month as an opportunity to go beyond “the talk” and find the teachable moments that can help you and your children communicate more openly and more often about the things that matter.

Natisha Moreman is Hawaii Island health educator for Planned Parenthood of Hawaii.

Viewpoint articles are the opinion of the writer and not necessarily the opinion of West Hawaii Today.