You cannot physically protect your teenager from all the dangers surrounding them, but through talk and frank, open discussion, you can give them skills to help protect them.

Young people need to be able to:

• Make sound decisions about relationships and sexual intercourse;
• Deal with pressure for unwanted sex or drug use;
• Recognise a situation that might turn risky or violent;
• Know how and where to ask for help and support; and
• Know how to negotiate protected sex when ready for sexual relationships.

It is common for parents to be uncomfortable talking with teen children about sex and sexuality. Most parents would prefer it if their teenagers did not start having sexual intercourse at a young age. But the teenage years involve a natural process of sexual experimentation. Because of this process of learning sexual behaviors, teenagers are much more open to adopting safer practices than older people.

Teenagers need to know that delaying sexual intercourse does not mean that they cannot satisfy their sexual desires. Masturbation is a healthy and safe alternative to sexual intercourse. Encourage your teenager to consider other ways of finding sexual pleasure.

If your teenager decides to have sex, then encourage the use of condoms. Condoms give the best protection against HIV/Aids and other STIs. They also protect against unwanted pregnancy.

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