|
Includes issues of identity, societal
roles, human
relationships, biological development
Youth need to learn:
- How their bodies, minds and feelings are changing
- How to communicate about sexuality
- How to handle societal and peer pressures
- How to make responsible decisions about sexual activity,
including abstinence
|
As young people's bodies change, they naturally develop an
interest in sex. The combination of biological changes with
exposure to sexual messages in everyday life, especially through
the media, can lead youth to focus only on physical aspects
of sexuality. However, sexuality includes issues of identity,
societal roles, and human relationships, as well as biological
development.
Young adults, both married and unmarried, need a basic knowledge
of both male and female reproductive systems and how their bodies,
minds and feelings are changing. They need to learn how to communicate
about sexuality and how to handle societal and peer pressures
about sexual behavior. They need to know that many of the common
images of sexuality, especially in the media, are misleading.
They need to know how to make their own decisions about sexual
activity, including abstinence. And, if they decide to begin
sexual activity, they need to know how to negotiate contraceptive
use. Learning about sexuality is the first step toward responsible
sexual decision-making and behavior.
|
