Every parent knows that talking with your teenager about sex is something that is both necessary and potentially stressful. In some cases it may be a good idea for parents and teens alike to get information online. What are the different types of website resources parents or teens can use to get information about teenage sexuality?
Teensexuality.org
Under the larger umbrella site of student.com, Teensexuality is a comprehensive site that offers information, discussions and forums, and articles on topics like “Losing Your Virginity” and “Teen Pregnancy. One warning: this site is written by high school and college students for high school and college students. It may not be appropriate for young teens, but is a valuable place for parents to stop by and read about what teens are thinking and doing.
Dmoz
The internet’s ‘open directory’ has a teen sexuality section where teens and parents can find an assortment of related sites on the Internet. This listing includes a brief description of dozens of different websites; it is a great resource for teens and parents alike who are seeking information on a variety of topics.
Puberty101.com
Puberty101.com is a well-organized comprehensive listing of issues involving teen sexuality. Some of the topics include stages of puberty, sexually transmitted diseases, and even psychological issues like alcoholic parents, drugs, eating disorders, stress and other topics. Issues are addressed in question-answer format by professionals in various fields. This may be a good site for teens to visit who are seeking information about issues they may not be comfortable asking parents to discuss.
Teenwire.com
Administered by Planned Parenthood, Teenwire offers a comprehensive mix of information about teens and sexuality. Issues such as birth control, teen pregnancy, gay/bisexual/transgender teens and other major topics are covered thoroughly and directly. There is an “Ask the Expert” feature that allows teens or parents to ask questions, and archives of previous expert responses to questions are on file as well.
Teenshealth.org
If your parental position is that abstinence is all teens need to know about sex, check out Teenshealth where you will find a description of abstinence and how it is the safest and obviously most effective form of birth control. The Teenshealth page also has valuable information about other areas of teen health.
Keeping the lines of communication open with your teenager is the key to a successful relationship. Teens need to be able to feel they can come to their parents for any reason. Arming yourself with information and making opportunities available for teens to ask questions and learn are great ways to ensure your teen has a healthy outlook on their sexuality.
Read more about:
The Real Truth About Teens and Sex
