Abstinence

Adolescence & Abstinence Decision-Making Abstinence Refusal Skills Consequences of Sexual Activity

Part I Decision-Making

Influences Religious organizations Media Television Cultural traditions Associations School organizations (sports, clubs) Media Television Music Friends Parents Siblings Extended family

Making Responsible Decisions Adolescence is a time for personal development Adolescents will be exposed to new things and will face greater challenges in everyday life Important to keep influences in mind when making a decision

Six Steps of Decision-Making Process State the situation List the options Weigh the possible outcomes

Six Steps of Decision-Making Process Consider your values Make a decision and act Evaluate the decision

Making Sexual Decisions Physical and emotional changes during adolescence can lead to confusion and concern Important to know the difference between feelings of sexual attraction and love Remember: You DO NOT have to act on sexual impulses!

Making Sexual Decisions Many teens act on sexual impulses out of curiosity, pressure from others, or a desire to be an adult Decision to engage in sexual activity is the biggest and most important decision a teen can make due to life-long implications

Making Sexual Decisions It is easier to make good judgments when you have a clear mind and are not feeling pressured Remember: It is much easier to make decisions about your limits BEFORE you get involved in sexual activity “You have to stand for what you believe in. And sometimes you have to stand alone.” ~ Queen Latifah

Part II Abstinence

Definition of abstinence Five steps to help you stay abstinent

Definition of Abstinence The conscious decision to avoid harmful behaviors, including sexual activity before marriage and the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.

How can I stay abstinent? 1. Establish your own priorities. • Priorities are those things that are first in importance.

How can I stay abstinent? 2. Set limits on how you are willing to express affection.

How can I stay abstinent? 3. Share your feelings with your boyfriend or girlfriend.

How can I stay abstinent? 4. Discuss your feelings with a trusted adult.

How can I stay abstinent? 5. Steer clear of high pressure situations. 6. If you are currently sexually active, re-evaluate your decision.

It’s great to wait! http://www.cfoc.org/VideoSpots/

Part III Refusal Skills

Refusal Skills Clear communication with partner Verbal and non-verbal actions send the same message Clear body language

Refusal Skills Self-control A person’s ability to use responsibility to override emotions No conflicting actions Assertiveness

Part IV Consequences of Sexual Activity

Negative Consequences of Sexual Activity Unplanned pregnancy Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Loss of self-respect Negative Effects on social relationships

Teens are not ready for Parenthood! Unplanned Pregnancy Complicates adolescent life: 86% of teen pregnancies are unplanned Giving birth at a young age increases health risks for both the mother and child Limits the teens’ future Teens are not ready for Parenthood!

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Spread from person to person through sexual contact STDs require medical treatment Examples: A.I.D.S. Herpes Syphilis

Mental and Social Affects Loss of self-respect Diminished self-image Tension between boyfriend/girlfriend relationships Sexual activities may lead to unshared feelings, emotional attachment and other dilemmas

Wait until marriage to experiment with sex! When in doubt… Wait until marriage to experiment with sex! Practice abstinence!