Susan's Initial Reflection

There are many barriers teens face to having a healthy sexuality. These factors vary from country to country and culture to culture, but common themes and difficulties appear to be present. So many things are at play when evaluating a teen’s sexuality that looking at one barrier exclusively cannot provide a comprehensive view of the health of the individual teen. Additionally, sexuality can be defined broadly or individually and therefore defining a healthy sexuality can often be difficult.
In most societies the popular media plays a large role in preventing teens from having a healthy sexuality. Media such as television, print and music all portray images of certain types of perfection which is not always obtainable for many teens. With all these different images it would appear difficult for teens to identify what is a healthy sexuality and then embody this type of sexuality themselves. Convoluted ideals and images hinder teens from creating a sexual identity for themselves which is personal and ultimately valued.
Lack of education in what a healthy sexuality may mean for a teen also serves as a barrier. If teens do not have access to the education required to lead a life including healthy sexual behaviors they are unprepared to engage in a lifestyle of being safe and sexually active. Without proper education on both how to protect oneself and how to engage in a healthy lifestyle teens do not have the mechanisms to engage in a healthy sexual life.
As stated earlier, there are many factors which contribute to achieving a healthy sexuality. The media and education play a large role in shaping a teen’s sexuality, but cultural norms and family also play a great role in sexual identity and a healthy concept of sexuality. I believe so many factors contribute to a healthy sexuality and none of them can be considered alone when trying to understand one’s own sexual identity and health. Further, I believe body image plays a role in a healthy sexuality.
Additionally, the recognition of the multitude of changes being experienced by teens at this stage in life can greatly affect their outlook and sexuality. Confidence in one’s body while fitting within social expectations can determine a teen’s ability to view their sexuality in a healthy way and promote healthy behaviors in general.