NBC and Katie Couric did a special on NBC last night about Teens and Sex. There was no real new information. Pretty much a confirmation of what we have all been hearing. They did a new "scientific survey" the results of which can be found here. I'm always a little skeptical of survey results in general and even more so when it involves teens and sex. I have found that the results of these types of things have to be taken with a grain of salt as honesty to questions about this issue is usually hard to determine. There is no doubt that our students are exposed to sexuality earlier and more often than ever before in our history. There is also no doubt (at least in my view) that students today are better educated about the realities of sex and, from what I have seen, many are making better choices because they understand more of the realities. The transcript from last night's show can be found here and some helpful ideas for communication with your teens can be found here.

The one thing I know for sure is that none of us need to be afraid to address the subject of sex with our kids. They are going to be thinking about it and having the conversations anyway, so join them in the conversation. I think it is most important to be honest, up front, and transparent. It may be uncomfortable for a parent, but I really think it is important for students to know that parents and adults are on the journey of discovery and fear and questioning with them. According to the students, parents are still the greatest influence on their life (take that with the same grain of salt?) and I really believe that students need to know that they themselves are way more important then any behavior, positive or negative.