Teaching teens about sex: Who is responsible?
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NORTH JACKSON, Tenn. — Educating children about sex can lead to some heated debates in West Tennessee. The Madison County School System hosted an open forum Monday to discuss their sex-ed program, but no parents showed up to the meeting. Experts say whether it is done at home, school or with a doctor, the conversation needs to get started. “I think it’s a talk that everyone needs to have at some point,” nurse practitioner Fred Sesti said. Talking with teens about sex is tough, and it has become even more difficult as kids become more aware at a younger age. “With today, you have Internet, media and TV,” Sesti said. “Kids definitely see things and understand what’s going on at an earlier age.” The question is, who is responsible for educating teens about sex? “I think it should be the parents’ job to help their kids get sex ed,” concerned parent Traon Kizer said. “It shouldn’t be up to the schools.” A recent Centers for Disease Control study shows pediatricians are talking less about the subject with teens. But Fred Sesti with Regional Medical Associates says fewer teens are coming in for check-ups. “We don’t see as many coming in for physical exams,” Sesti said. “Exams where you sit down and talk, asking if this is normal or what’s going on.” Sesti says there are easy ways to get the conversation started. “Definitely bring up the topic about what’s normal and what they expect to experience,” Sesti said. Some parents say the earlier you talk about it the better. “I think the parents need to think of the consequences of if they don’t teach their children early in life,” Debbie Griggs said. Sesti says if you still feel uncomfortable talking with your children, many doctors will sit down and guide you through the process.
