Numerous studies have shown that the most influential role models for a child are their parents or carers. You can inform your child and help them feel comfortable and knowledgeable about sexuality. By keeping silent, you allow your teenager to act on unreliable information. This can put them at considerable risk.

Teenagers and contraception
Unwanted pregnancy is a traumatic event for both the teenager and their parents or carers. The reasons why some teenagers don’t use contraception include:
• Lack of knowledge
• Fear of their parents finding out
• The belief that using contraception implies promiscuity
• The belief that planning for sex ruins the spontaneity
• Alcohol and other drug use.
Preparing in advance
As a parent or carer, you can prepare yourself for discussions about sex with your teenager:
• Talk about the issue with your partner or other carers.
• Decide what kind of values and messages you want to deliver.
• Read up on current sexual issues.
• Accept that your teenager may have different views to your own.
• Buy or borrow relevant books, magazines or videos.
• Remember that the aim is to discuss the topic with your child, not give a lecture.
Gender roles
Gender roles play an important part in sexual relationships. The child receives important lessons on adult relationships by watching how their parents or carers interact. This can affect the way they conduct their sexual relationships.

Teenagers need to be aware that sexual responsibility is everyone’s concern, regardless of gender. Ideally, any parent or carer responsible for the child should discuss sex with the child. Thorough information on contraception and unwanted pregnancy should be given to both young men and young women.