Keeping Kids Safe and Healthy:
Closer Parent-Child Communication Reduces Teen Pregnancy and STDs

The need for closer parent-child communication is great.

Adolescent pregnancy prevention programs throughout the country have made great strides in reducing teen pregnancy over the past fifteen years. In the United States, the birth rate for teens ages 15-19 years is down more than 32% since 1991. In California, the decline has been even more dramatic: teen birth rates are down 46% since 1991. However, even with this remarkable success, the United States still has one of the highest teen birth rates of any developed country.

By grade 12, about 62% of all teens have had sex at least once. One out of three teenage girls gets pregnant at least once before the age of 20. There are 820,000 teen pregnancies in the United States each year. And every year, one in four teens contracts a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Some of these STDs will cause cervical cancer or will affect the ability to have children later in life.

The good news is parents can make a difference.

In spite of these facts, nearly 20 studies have found that when parents and teens are close, the risk of teen pregnancy is reduced. Teens who feel supported by their parents are more likely to wait until they are older to have sex. When they do start having sex, teens who feel connected to their parents have fewer sexual partners which lowers their risk of STDs. Such teens also use birth control more consistently which lowers their chances of of unintended pregnancy.

In a national survey of teens, 80% said their decisions about sex and relationships are influenced by what their parents have told them and what their parents might think. In fact, teens report that their parents influence their decisions about sex more than their friends, the media, or their siblings.

What can parents and health professionals do?

Parents can protect the health of their children by teaching kids how to prevent pregnancy and STDs. But it's not always easy for parents to start conversations about the facts of life. Parents may not have grown up where sex and sexuality were discussed openly. Furthermore, some parents may feel unsure about the accuracy or level of their own knowledge when it comes to sex.

Health professionals can help parents gain knowledge and confidence when it comes to talking with kids about sex. Here are five basic messages to help parents get started:

• Start Now – The earlier you start, the easier it is. Age-appropriate conversations about relationships and intimacy should begin early in childhood and continue throughout adolescence.
• Build Your Child’s Trust in You – Listen to your children. Don’t jump to conclusions. Answer their questions honestly and directly. Admit when you don’t know the answer to a question and suggest that you look it up together. Show your children that you can be trusted.
• Be Involved in Your Child’s Life – Supervise and monitor your children’s activities. Know their friends and their families. Know what your children are watching, reading, and listening to. Show your children that you care about what they do and who they’re with.
• Talk About What’s Important to You – Be clear about your own values regarding sex. Discourage behaviors that are inconsistent with your values. Teach your children how to make good decisions about sex and life choices.
• Build and Promote and Environment of Love and Respect – Respect your child’s views; and let your children know you love them unconditionally.

Several national organizations have tips that help parents talk with their kids about sex. You can find resources and more information about establishing and maintaining close parent-child communication at the following websites:

• www.talkwithyourkids.org (California Family Health Council, Inc.)
• www.teenpregnancy.org (The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy)
• www.advocatesforyouth.org (Advocates for Youth)