Well I’m finally back. After an intense year of writing (the new book “The Parenting Crisis” is now out) and counseling, I now have a little more time to keep this site updated with new information. The idea is to post the information that I am providing on my weekly television spot to this web site, immediately after the show. I can also answer any questions that readers might have if they send it to me via email.
My concern this week is the announcement by Health Canada that they are going to make the so-called “morning after” pill a non-prescription item. This is a pill that, if taken within 72 hours of intercourse, will allow women to be 90% sure that they will not get pregnant. Women, including teenagers, will now be able to obtain this pill just by asking for it, although they may first have to be counseled briefly by the pharmacist.
The problem with this easy availability is that it may tempt teens to be less worried about the possible side effects of intercourse and indulge even more freely than they already are. In the process they may be forgetting about the other possible outcomes of unprotected intercourse, sexually transmitted diseases. Despite the sexual education courses that are available to teens in their schools, there is considerable misinformation about STD’s among the teenage population. Either they are not hearing the information provided or it is not being given in enough detail. Kids just don’t know as much about STD’s as we often think they do. Thus, by removing that one big obstacle to having sex—the possibility of getting pregnant—the government may be giving the green light to ill-informed teens to go ahead and have sex.
Parents need to be taking the opportunity provided by stories such as these to make sure that their teens are well informed. If the teens are sexually active they must still use condoms to prevent diseases that can ruin or even destroy their lives. Parents who feel that the schools are adequately providing this information are being naïve. When any stories of teenage sexual activity or habits appear in the media, parents should sit down with their teenagers and review the topic. Check on their knowledge and review the dangers. Keep it brief and informative so that it doesn’t turn into a lecture. Ask the kids straight out if they are sexually active and stay calm if you find out that they are. As a tidbit of parental information, the average age of loss of virginity these days is around 15. Don’t assume that your child would never become sexually active and dodge the issue. Use every opportunity to discuss the subject, to give your advice and to pass on information. The kids need it.