Hey, parents! With most teens having sex by the age of 17, it is in your family’s best interest to have open conversations about sex and talk about birth control well in advance. Teen boys and girls are very capable of understanding different forms of contraception and its importance in preventing pregnancy. You can also have a role in educating them about safe sex to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and promote healthy decision making.
Talking About Birth Control
While it may be difficult to bring up birth control, educating your teen is one of the best things you can do for them. Talking about birth control and sex isn’t the same as giving the go-ahead to your teen. The more informed they are, the more confident they can be in their relationships and lives. Your conversations with your daughter or son can also guide them on your beliefs and values about sex as well as birth control.
Avoiding the topics of sex and birth control with your teenager means you’re surrendering your chance to influence your son or daughter. Instead of skirting the subject, take the opportunity to let your teen know you care about them and are willing to talk about birth control with them so they can have more knowledge and agency over their lives. Sharing validated information during honest conversations could result in a teenager choosing to wait longer to have sex or to get into a relationship.
Need more help talking to your teen about sexual health and birth control? Read this Mayo Clinic article now.
Keep an Open Door and Open Mind
Teenagers may be curious about different forms of contraception and will likely discuss it with their friends. If your door is open to them, without judgment, they may be more likely to turn to you to ask what you know. You can show them how to find accurate information about the topic from trusted resources like the Mayo Clinic website, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), or our website and blog. This can prevent them from trusting potentially incorrect information from their social circle and social media. It can also remove the taboo of discussing topics like sex, birth control, abusive relationships, and other factors that can affect your teen’s life.
If your teenager hasn’t asked you about birth control or safe sex, it may be time to ask them if they have questions. Let him or her know you are there for them if they do have questions or want to look up information on valid websites, like here on our blog and website. In case they are not comfortable talking to you, you can also encourage them to ask their doctor about birth control options and recommendations.
The more natural you can make conversations about topics like birth control, sex, and relationships, the more potential influence you can have. Equip your teen with the facts and guidance that helps them protect themselves and make good decisions for their health.
When the topic of birth control comes up, we encourage you to make time to talk openly with your teen. By doing so, you’ll ensure that they receive accurate information—and perhaps most importantly, you’ll be showing them how much you care about their wellbeing.
