TAKE HOME MESSAGES Dorothy Mann Family Planning Council National STD Conference, 2004

Challenging our Assumptions Teen’s sexual networks are same as adults Prevention messages for teens should be targeted to “high risk” Small changes in behavior don’t make a difference Wrong

Challenging our Assumptions Interventions don’t work Virginity pledges keep kids safe Wrong

Changing our Assumptions Teens are having less sex, using more protection (condoms, longer lasting birth control). Teens are thinking and talking about sex more. Teens want help from parents and caregivers. Teens want help with emotional aspects of sex and relationships.

Changing Assumptions Abstinence – only --- Until marriage or high school graduation? Saying no is okay – even if you already said yes. Eventually 90% of teens will have sex – will it be “safe”?

Can We Accept That A positive STD or an Unintended Pregnancy is a PREVENTION FAILURE

Can We Change Behavior? “Treat ‘em and Street ‘em” is necessary but is not sufficient. Jemmott curriculums change behavior Can clinic staff change their behavior? Change at least one thing you do in your STD clinic to help teens.

Moving the Cheese Praise teens for coming to the clinic You care that they are in a “healthy, safe” sexual relationship Do they feel “safe” in their sexual relationship? Have they ever been forced to have sex?

Mixed Messages Partner solicitation--Skills to help the patients communicate or you don’t need to we will do it for you? Parents/caregivers – confidentiality is critical, do we even ask how their parents feel about their having sex? Who can they talk to about sexual issues?

Outside the Clinic Pay attention to parents/caregivers Teens want to talk to their parents Parents/caregivers need skills Use well trained facilitators – bad information is worse than no information at all. Find parents where they already are – churches, community organizations, etc.

Schools Philadelphia Schools – STD screening, condom distribution, counseling, abstinence. Don’t take “no” for an answer. Do anything you can that is more than “abstinence only”. Embrace abstinence, family communication – these are right not only of the right.

What Should I Do? Work with credible community organizations Do whatever is possible – one shot session in a school – make the most of it. Skills not ugly pictures – take from the curriculums that work. Take risks, be creative The challenge is also the opportunity Bearman and Jemmott and their colleagues can give us the data, point us in the right direction, hand us the tools that will work.

Take Home Message Do Something Better Teens Back Home Are Counting On Us