Navigating Teen Sexual Health: Trends Every Parent Should Know

What’s trending in the world of teens and their sex lives? This episode dives into the pressing concerns around adolescent sexual health, focusing on the alarming decline in condom usage and the rise of sexually transmitted infections among young people in Canada. Where Parents Talk podcast host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Sarah Flicker, a professor at York University, who discusses how hormonal changes, device usage, and social media influence teenagers’ understanding of relationships and consent. As the pandemic disrupted vital sex education, many youth missed critical opportunities to learn about their physical and emotional health. Through open communication and guidance, parents can help their teens navigate these complex issues, fostering a sense of independence while ensuring they have access to accurate information and support.
Takeaways:
• Teenagers today navigate their sexuality with increased access to information through social media, which can often lead to confusion between accurate and misleading content.
• The pandemic has exacerbated gaps in sex education, resulting in lower condom usage and increased rates of sexually transmitted infections among adolescents.
• Parents should encourage open conversations about sexuality, creating a safe space for their teens to ask questions without fear of judgment.
• To combat misinformation, parents can provide trusted resources and direct their kids to reliable websites for accurate sexual health information.
• Understanding consent is crucial; parents must communicate the importance of boundaries and respect in all relationships with their children.
• Using humor and relatable scenarios can help normalize discussions about sexuality and encourage teens to engage in these conversations openly.
Links referenced in this episode:
• plannedparenthood.org (plannedparenth...)
• phac-aspc.gc.ca (phac-aspc.gc.ca)
• cfenet.com (cfenet.com)
• sexfluent.ca (sexfluent.ca)
• whereparentstalk.com (whereparentsta...)
Companies mentioned in this episode:
• Planned Parenthood
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research