How to Deal with Your Sexually Active Teen

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Before you get them fitted for a chastity belt, try these communication tips.

Step 1:
Get control of your emotions before you talk to your child. You may be upset, but anger is not going to help the situation.

Step 2:
Find a time and place to talk to your teen that's free of distractions.

Step 3:
Let them have their say, and try not to pass judgment. You want to open the lines of communication, not shut them down.

Tip
Research has linked teen sex to low self-worth, so work on building your child's self-esteem.

Step 4:
Make sure they know about the potential consequences: a high number of teenagers already have a sexually transmitted disease; two-thirds of teens regret losing their virginity so early; and sex can result in lifelong consequences like pregnancy, infections, and viruses, and even sterility if certain STDs are not treated in time.

Step 5:
Tell them how to practice safe sex and prevent pregnancy, and give them condoms. If your teen is a girl, consider getting her vaccinated against the HPV virus. The vaccine may be available to boys soon, too.

Tip
Make sure your child knows that they can get an STD from oral sex. Surveys show many kids don't.

Step 6:
If you are against their having sex, let them know it. But reassure them that they can always come to you for anything.

Did You Know?
Fifty-six percent of teens surveyed had their first sexual experience at their own home or that of their partner.