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Real Talk with Teens
Having “The Talk” with teenagers has never been easy. But in today’s society of Internet blogs and social websites where misinformation is rampant, getting the real facts out to teens is more important than ever.
The month of October is Let’s Talk Month and several Coastal Health District counties will host community events that support parents in their efforts to talk to their children openly and honestly about relationships and sexuality. The events will be held in partnership with the Promoting Awareness of Teen Health and Sexuality (PATHS) Coalition. PATHS is comprised of community members from agencies in Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, and surrounding counties in coastal Georgia.
“Let's Talk Month emphasizes the importance of a strong partnership between the community and the family in helping young people develop responsible and positive attitudes about sexuality,” said Christina Gibson, Coastal Health District Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Director.
The Let’s Talk community events are open to parents and their teenagers. The gatherings are designed to provide an opportunity for parents and teens to ask questions and discuss issues with other families.
While most teens would rather get sex education from their parents or another caring adult, they also don’t want that adult to mistake curiosity for promiscuity. The overwhelming teen response in our communities is that they are afraid and embarrassed to ask questions, leaving parents the obligation of opening the discussion.
“We want both parents and teens to feel comfortable asking the tough questions,” said Gibson. “That’s what Let’s Talk Month is all about – starting the dialogue.”
Let's Talk Month is a time when faith communities, media, businesses, schools and community agencies can assume leadership roles in supporting communication between young people and the adults in their lives.
Based on the demographics of those in attendance at the Let’s Talk sessions, one of three discussion formats will be used:
1. All teen group: Let’s Talk about Your Body, Your Parents, and Your Future.
Males and females will be separated in order to discuss puberty, and then brought back together to brainstorm and discuss their future goals and to practice negotiation skills. Teens will be given the opportunity to ask questions and will be supplied with tips and resources to assist them in the future.
2. All adult group: Let’s Talk about Sex and Your Teen.
Parents will be educated about current trends and district data. Parents will be tested on their current knowledge and will be educated about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and teen pregnancy. Tips, suggestions, and role-playing will prepare parents to open up a discussion with teens. Parents will also participate in a question/answer session with the facilitator.
3. Combined adult and teen group: Let’s Talk about Sex.
This discussion will bring parents and teens together in a structured conversation about abstinence, goal setting, teen pregnancy, and STDs. It will provide an opportunity for parents and teens to ask questions and discuss issues with other families.
The following Let’s Talk sessions have been scheduled and are open to parents and their teens.
Camden County
Oct. 27, Camden County Health Department, 2 – 3 p.m.
Chatham County
Oct. 15, Kayton Homes Boys and Girls Club, 7 – 8 p.m.
Oct. 22, Tatumville Boys and Girls Club, 4 – 5 p.m.
Oct. 28, May Street YMCA, 3 – 4 p.m.
Glynn County
Nov. 1, Evergreen Baptist Church, 10 – 11:45 a.m.
Long County
Oct. 21, Long County Health Department, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
McIntosh County
Oct. 16, McIntosh County Health Department, 4 – 5 p.m.