When it comes to youth STD trends, in my view I can say I felt there has been a lack of education on this topic. I once was a teenager and I can say I never received an education on STDs in my high school (all 4 years). I do remember my health teacher talking in class and when it came to the “sex” topic, she stated “We are briefly going to speak about sex; I just want you students to leave this class knowing the #1 choice that will prevent you from a mistake will be to not have sex during high school”. In this health class the textbook we had, had chapters that went into depth about sexually transmitted diseases, and I wasn’t sure why the teacher at the moment didn’t go into depth in teaching us about them. I have cousins and my friend’s sisters who inform us that now their high school has a sex ed class. I think this is a great idea that now high schools are teaching teenagers and making them aware of how serious STDS can be and ways of prevention. I started to notice that not only are students in high school getting pregnant, but in middle school grades 6-8 are too. I strongly believe that parents should start to speak to their children even though there in junior high school, but make their children aware of STDS.

Answers to question:

I believe families can deliver effective AIDS prevention intervention by being very informative with their children. Parents need to realize that although they have this picture of “my child is too young or shouldn’t know about this”, they need to be aware that who better to tell them about this topic them themselves. Children lives revolve around their parents, their parents are someone who they know only wants the best for them and not harm them.

Some critical components of successful intervention one must not involve any judgment or make them feel uncomfortable. Nobody will learn if they feel uncomfortable or make them feel like it’s a joke. It should be decent conversation where they feel they are being told this for their own well being.

I believe successful interventions can be transferred to the community when parents and even extended family are all in agreement when informing their children about STDs. Working together and being able to hold a conversation with their teenagers at home can help their children to be open and speak to even their friends. I remember my friends will speak to me about this and I actually learned.