ADOLESCENTS AT RISK

recently was amused and touched by an episode of South Park in which the producers put forth the idea that sex education is best provided at home, where values can be taught. I don't disagree; however, it seems to me that the majority of parents are so uncomfortable with the topic that sex is just not discussed. I agree in theory: I disagree in practice. Is there any realistic way to ensure that parents take charge of providing sex education and related values education to their children? Address this question, taking a pro or con side, and back it up with rational argument and evidence if possible. Remember that anecdotes (case examples) can be lively as illustrations, but do not provide sound scientific support. We tend to selectively remember anecdotes that back up our views, and conveniently "forget" those that do not support our opinions. LENGTH: 3 pages typed and double-spaced. Assignment Expectations The following items in particular will be assessed: 1. List obstacles that may exist to providing effective prevention and support services. What roles do and might parents play in helping and hindering these? 2. Application of modular readings when appropriate (APA formatting required). ADOLESCENTS AT RISK All readings in this module are required unless otherwise indicated. "Risk" Where does the risk come from? Environment is complex and has many levels of influence. Media and Society: All teens, regardless of economic status and ethnic background, are exposed to confusing messages about sexual behavior (Keiser 2002). As you can see, often the messages are very mixed. Sex is glamorized, but contraception is never mentioned and contraceptive advertisements are refused by major networks and media outlets. Keiser, F. (2002) Helping Children Develop Healthy Sexual Behaviors and Attitudes Retrieved February 22, 2011, from http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles/helping_children_develop_healthy_sexual_behavior_attitudes Community: A neighborhood with high poverty, crime, and little hope for the future certainly raises a child's risk of having children. Jarrett, R. (1999, Fall). Successful Parenting In High Risk Neighborhoods. The future of children: When school is out, 9(2),45-50. Retrieved February 22, 2011, from http://www.cyc-net.org/cyc-online/cycol-0106-jarrett.html Previous History of Victimization: It is tragic that we tend to stigmatize teen parents, who are often in their predicament because of a history of abuse by those who should have cared for them and sheltered them. Often these abusers were family members, or close friends of the family. Guttamacher Institute (2001) A History of Sexual Abuse Elevates the Massachusetts Teenagers' Risk of Engaging in Unsafe Sexual Practices. Family Planning Perspectives 33:1. Retrieved from http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/journals/3304401.html Some Preliminary Research Results Related to At-Risk Teenagers: The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health overviews both risk factors and protective factors related to whether young teens (under 15) are more likely to be in danger of premature sexual behavior along with other destructive activity. The Urban Institute also offers some excellent reports for your perusal. The Minnesota DHS shares information on some of its programs for at-risk youth at this site. See this link: National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (2005, March 23). Retrieved February 22, 2011, from http://www.cpc.unc.edu/projects/addhealth/ Here's another commentary on minority youth: Advocates for Youth (2008). Youth of color at disproportionate risk of negative health outcomes. Retrieved February 22, 2011, from http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/component/content/article/468-youth-of-color-at-disproportionate-risk-of-negative-sexual-health-outcomes Finally, lest we merely confirm stereotypes about minority and impoverished youth at risk, here is a website devoted to the troubling story of affluent teens in Rockdale County, GA. The 1996 syphilis outbreak and the community and expert reaction tell us something about the other risk factors for premature and risky sexual activity - related to family communication and lack of structure, values, and connection to a "culture" or community that might also contribute to such behaviors. Frontline Series. (n.d.). The Lost Children of Rockdale County. Retrieved February 22, 2011, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/georgia