surviving “the talk” discussing sexual health with adolescents presented by:

Surviving “The Talk”Discussing Sexual Health with Adolescents

Presented by:

Objectives:• Introduce the Coalition for Sexual Health• Discuss adolescent sexual health locally• Offer tools for talking with youth• Answer questions

Welcome!Welcome

• Chelsea Varnum, MEdColumbus Public Health

• Kristin Torres, MSW, LSWSyntero, Inc.

• Tammy Derden, MBANationwide Children’s Hospital

• Constance Dunlap, MdivPlanned Parenthood of Greater Ohio

Presenters

MissionTo promote, implement, evaluate, and improve science-informed sexual health education and programs for youth and young adults in Central Ohio through organized community efforts. VisionCentral Ohio youth and young adults are educated and empowered to make responsible choices for their sexual health.

Coalition for Sexual HealthCoalition for

Sexual Health

• Over 150 people connected• Bi-monthly meetings– Networking– Capacity Building

• Working Committees:– Parent Engagement– Holistic Education


Sexual Health


Sexual Health

• How did you learn about sexual health as a teen?

• Who provided you with that information?

Welcome!Reflection

Sexually Transmitted Diseases/InfectionsPregnancy Prevention and Birth ControlHealthy RelationshipsConsentDating Violence

What is it?

Personal Goals and ValuesNegotiating Pressure and InfluenceSelf-EsteemNavigating Healthcare as an AdultCommunication Skills

What is it?

Critical ThinkingHelping young people learn how to navigate important decisionsValues ClarificationShowing the importance of taking time know yourself and what you want in lifePersonal ResponsibilityOwnership in healthy behaviors

Benefits

Youth represent 27% of the sexually active population

But contract nearly half of all new STIs

Why is it important?

Source: Center for Disease Control

• 60% of teens that are HIV positive are not aware of their status

• Most STIs will not show symptoms• 1/3 of adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of

physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner

Source: Center for Disease Control, Love is Respect


Sexual Health

Source: STD Surveillance Program, Bureau of HIV/AIDS, STD, and TB, 2013

Franklin County for ages 15-19:• Chlamydia: 2,376 diagnoses, 30% of all cases• Gonorrhea: 708 diagnoses, 24% of all cases• HIV: 15 diagnoses, 7% of all cases• Syphilis: Outbreak


Source: Columbus Public Health

Teens consistently report parents/care takers as the most important influence in their sexual health.

Influence

Source: National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unwanted Pregnancy

Good communication, and appropriate firmness, result in teens with: • Higher self-reliance and self-esteem• Improved communication about sexual health• Delayed sexual behaviors• Increased use of protection and birth control• Fewer sexual risk behaviors

Welcome!Influence

Source: Advocates for Youth

How to have (and continue to have) “the talk”

B.L.I.S.S.

Welcome!The Talk

Three steps:B. – BelieveL. I. – Limited InformationS.S. – Specific Suggestions

Welcome!B.L.I.S.S

Believe:• Believe that you are capable of having this

conversation• Believe that they are ready for the information• Listen to make sure that you are hearing the

question

Welcome!B.L.I.S.S.

Limited Information• Only answer the question that they are asking• “Don’t explain the universe when they ask

about a star”• Don’t overwhelm them with too much• Continue to clarify that this is what they are

asking about

Welcome!The Talk

Specific Suggestions• Help them to make a plan for what they would

like to do• Provide resources if appropriate• Help them to connect the conversation to

their sense of self and their values

Welcome!The Talk

surviving “the talk” discussing sexual health with adolescents presented by:

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