Talking to your children

Children's education about sexuality begins at an early age. Toddlers' comparisons of their sexual organs reflect a natural curiosity about sex. In most countries, as children grow up in today's world, they are bombarded with sexual images and information-on television, in films, over the Internet, and from their peers. In a world with AIDS, young people need accurate information about the risks associated with sex. They need to be equipped with values and skills that prepare them to make healthy choices in difficult situations.

When based on sound scientific evidence, comprehensive school-based education on human sexuality and HIV provides young people with potentially life-saving information and offers opportunities for them to clarify their values about sex. Contrary to the fears of many parents, studies show that sound sex education in schools does not cause young people to have sex at an earlier age or more frequently. If you are the parent of a school-age child, you should ask about the sex-education policies at your child's school and work to ensure that the school offers a high-quality programme.

Parents should also talk to their children about HIV and AIDS. Those of us who are parents may, in fact, be in the best position to counterbalance the misinformation or distorted images about sex that children may glean from the media or their peers. The home is also the best place to instill values of sexual responsibility and self-respect. Discussing sex with our children is often a challenge. If you are worried about your ability to raise the topic of sex with your children, you might seek advice from teachers, trusted friends, relatives or health workers. Some AIDS service organizations may offer AIDS education for children. The UN system also recommends that agencies organize discussions among parents to discuss strategies for speaking to our children.

In some countries, the UN system has even organized special sessions for teenagers to learn more about HIV/AIDS. However you decide to address sexual issues with your children, you should be prepared to be frank, to admit any uncertainties, and to respect your children's privacy.

Learn more about how HIV/AIDS affects youth through these brief narratives by youth about their experiences with HIV/AIDS. (Note: Links will open in a new brwoser window)

• Young and HIV +
  Brief narratives by youth on Avert.org, a UK based charity
• Sex Education Stories
  Brief narratives by youth on Avert.org, a UK based charity

Here are a few sites that might help. (Note: Links will open in a new browser window)

• Talking to children about HIV/AIDS
  A short introduction to this issue by AVERT, a UK based charity
• Talking with Kids
  Excellent resource and visually appealing site that succinctly advises parents on how to approach the topic of HIV/AIDS when talking with their children
• Talking with teens about sex
  A US based site. The Washington State Department of Health’s helpful, brief fact sheet including ten tips and ‘does sex education encourage youth to become sexually active’
• Families Are Talking
  An information packed site that includes links for children, articles and media resources, and much more! Tailored for a Western audience.

Also, encourage your children to look at the various websites designed specifically for them: Resources for Youth.