How to Talk to Teens About Oral Sex

Today, more and more teens are experimenting with various forms of sexual activity and are being led to believe that those activities do not constitute sex. A great number of teens are under the impression that oral sex is not really sex because a girl cannot get pregnant. Teens need to know that oral sex is real sex and carries almost all the same repercussions.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Be frank with your teen. Teens need to know that oral sex is still sex.
2. Become knowledgeable about the vernacular teens may be using in regard to oral sex. Clear communication is necessary in order for you to stress the importance of what you are sharing.
3. Explain to teens that while performing oral sex will not result in pregnancy, it can lead to the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea and other infections. Let them know that some of these are incurable.
4. Discuss the implications of oral sex with your child. Let him know that there are social, emotional and physical repercussions of participating in this type of activity, which may include the social stigma of being labeled as promiscuous.
5. Prepare teens for the onslaught of peer pressure regarding sex. Children who are naive about sex are more likely to believe incorrect information they hear from their peers. Arm your child with a strong foundation and he or she is less likely to fail.
6. Let teens know that this talk is extremely important. Although you need not preach to them, they should realize that what you are discussing can mean the difference between life and death and that the knowledge they are gaining is invaluable.
7. Inform your child that if she is forced to perform oral sex on another person, she has been sexually assaulted. Rape or assault is not limited to vaginal sex. Tell your child to report it to you or the police right away.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't wait until your child is participating in sexual activity to discuss sex with her or him. Talk about sex as soon as your child can understand the consequences of his or her actions or the actions of others.
• Deal with your own uneasiness with the subject if you are uncomfortable. This is not an easy talk, but it is essential in helping teens to lead healthy lives, both physically and emotionally.