There are many ways that parents and other adults can help teens build self-esteem. Self-esteem is key to enabling a teen to say “no" to pressure to have sex.
Ways to help teens build self-esteem:
-
Having a positive relationship with an adult (not a romance)
-
Positive activities involving other teens
-
Involvement in faith-based activities
-
Participation in drama, music, or dance
-
Taking care of pets
-
Volunteering
Teach children & teens positive values including:
-
Responsibility for their own behavior
-
Avoidance of substance abuse
-
Consideration of the feelings of the other person in a relationship
-
Help teens visualize positive life goals to accomplish
Discourage relationships with significantly older partners.
The reality is that some teens will have sex. For those who do, consistent use of
reliable birth control is necessary to avoid pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
A properly used condom is highly effective in preventing sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.
Please call Sutter County Public Health regarding the availability of free condoms at 822-7215. |
|