So, as it turns out, teens know about STIs. Great news, right? Wrong. A recent article details their knowledge of only basic facts: STIs are a threat, and they can have a grave impact on an individual’s health and future. Yet, American teenagers are using all of the wrong tactics to prevent STIs. There seems to be a disconnect between knowledge and implementation, or, perhaps, the knowledge is not being dispersed.
Teens need to know that abstinence is the only foolproof way to prevent STIs; male and female condoms come in at second place and are the only defense against STIs if someone is sexually active. Instead, teens are using visual assessments and spotty testing to protect against STIs. A clean “bill of health” does not give someone the go ahead to have unprotected intercourse. Also, it is impossible to tell by looking at a sex partner if he or she has an STI. Sexuality education programs must include this information, and, in addition to the facts about STIs, teens should learn effective prevention techniques.
If you missed the link above, check out the article here: http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/teens-dont-identify-with-std-messages/.
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