Parents, Are You Doing It Wrong? 8 Tips for Talking to Your Teen About Sex

Many parents wish they could avoid talking about sex with their kids because it can feel awkward – especially if you’re not sure what to cover. Having that talk is even more important for Black parents as Black American teens face different obstacles than other ethnicities. Fortunately, it’s easier to talk to your teen about sex when you know where to start.  Why Black Teens Need the Talk Any parent will be concerned about their teens contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), Black people between the ages of 13 and 24 have the highest rates of contracting chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea. The numbers also show that female teens are more likely to contract STIs than males. Additionally, Black teens have a higher rate of pregnancy.  This information is even more daunting when you consider the lack of support that Black teens typically have. Numerous studies show that there is a bias that still plagues the medical community when it comes to Black Americans. Since they are regarded as being naturally sexually promiscuous, Black teens may not get the sex education they need or counsel about contraceptives. As...