Talk With Your Teen About AIDS
Parents must make time to talk with their teenagers about this life-threatening disease.
The number of AIDS cases among teens has increased dramatically (up 96 percent between 1988 and 1990). So even parents who have talked to their teens need to do it again.
Your first step is to arm yourself with AIDS facts. Your doctor, the school nurse or a counselor can help. But the next step—finding a way to bring up the subject of sex and HIV infection—can be awkward. Here are five ways to start a conversation with your teen:
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The media. Look for stories and advertisements about AIDS and HIV prevention on radio and TV and in newspapers and magazines. Comment on one of them. Or, ask your child how he feels about it.
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School. Ask, “What are you learning in health or science about HIV infection or AIDS?” Use your child’s answer to start a discussion.
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Community. Together, attend a local event—such as an AIDS benefit or health fair—and talk about what you learn.
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Your child. Use her questions about related topics—such as sex, drugs or dating—to lead into a conversation about HIV and AIDS.
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Friends. If it’s obvious that someone you or your child knows is engaging in behavior that puts them at risk of getting infected, share your concern with your teen.
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