Marisa S. Initial Reflection- Summer 2010

In your opinion, what barriers do teens face to having a healthy sexuality?

Adolescents growing up today face a multitude of barriers that inhibit them from obtaining a healthy sexuality. I think two of the biggest barriers teens face include the type of relationship that they have with their parents and the confusing and mixed messages teens receive about a healthy sexuality from media.

In my opinion even though peer groups are constantly influencing teens, parents are the true influences in their lives. A parent is the main teacher and provider a child has throughout their life. They are whom a child looks to for emotional and behavioral guidance. I think the trouble with parent-teen relationships often starts because the parents does not perceive the ‘child’ is old enough to know or talk about sex and they do not want to recognize that sexual feelings are occurring within their child. Additionally, not all parents may be comfortable themselves with their sexual identity or sexual health. If this is the case, communication between parent and teen is hindered. It is important that parents recognize the inherent curiosity of adolescents and embark on an open dialogue with their teen before sexual choices are made and health consequences happen (pregnancy, STDs etc.). If a parent is not comfortable with the topic of sex or does not feel knowledgeable in this area then they should seek help for themselves as so they can help their teen.

The second barrier I perceive as preventing teens from having a healthy sexuality is caused by the myriad of images pertaining to sexuality that come from the media. Sometimes I watch a show or movie and think to myself “no wonder there are so many teens having sex!” It is truly EVERYWHERE. And even when the media tries to make it ‘unappealing’ as with shows like The Secret Life of the American Teen or 16 and Pregnant, it is still glamorized. Additionally, the portrayal of sex in TV shows (the Real World, the OC, Greek) type-cast men and women to play roles that do not equate to healthy behavior. And teens, because they are young, naïve and want to be ‘cool’ look at these actors and actresses and think that behavior is appropriate. Even youth idols such as Miley Cyrus are becoming less and less appropriate for youth and teens to perceive as healthy role models. We need to have shows and role models that make it ok to ask questions about sex, encourage talking to parents, encourage self-confidence to ‘say no’ or ‘I’m not ready’ and to discourage the use of alcohol or drugs in sexual encounters. We also need shows that break down male and female stereotypes and show that men can be sensitive and caring in a relationship and women can be strong and independent.