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Step 1
Gather information. Before you actually sit and have this very important discussion, make sure you have as much information on your side as you can to support everything you are telling them. No matter how close you think you are to your teen, they are still a teen. They are going to think you don't know what you're talking about and argue every point with you. Be armed and ready with proof in your hands (see Resources below).
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Step 2
Explain what an STD is. Unfortunately, most teens already know about STDs. Sadly, though, many have been misinformed. You need to go over every STD that exists, tell them how it's contracted, whether or not it can be treated and if it is fatal. While scaring your child is not much fun, it's almost necessary when it comes to their life.
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Step 3
Show them statistics. Presenting them with statistics is one thing. What you need to do is present them with teenage statistics. Show them the number of kids their own age who, like them, were convinced that they would never contract an STD. Do anything and everything you can to make it a reality to them and not something that is barely in the realm of possibilities (see Resources below).
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Step 4
Relate to them. Remind yourself about the immense pressure to fit in, either through sexual activity or drug use. Let them know that you know how hard it is for them to resist the temptation to be sexually active. And while no parent wants to tell their children what they may have done "back in the day," now might be a good time to interject a story or two from your past. This will help them see you as a person and not their parent, ultimately making them more willing to listen to what you are trying to tell them.
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Step 5
Stress the importance of safe sex. While no parent wants to support their teen being sexually active, the truth of the matter is that if they truly want to be, they will find a way to be. The only thing left to do at this point is let them know how much you want them to wait until they are adults before having sex, but also let them know that if they do decide to take that gigantic leap into adulthood, they need to do it safely. Stress that condoms are the only protection available to keep them safe from STDs.
