R EPRODUCTIVE H EALTH AND S AFETY E DUCATION Lesson 2 Decision Making Abstinence Until Marriage Peer Pressure

L ESSON O BJECTIVES Students will: 1. Understand the meaning of abstinence 2. Recognizing that abstinence is the only 100% effective method in avoiding unplanned pregnancy and is superior in preventing STI’s when compared to contraceptive methods. 3. Comprehend and utilize the decision making model 4. Identify peer pressure and be able to negotiate around it 5. Gain the ability to quickly adapt and use refusal skills as needed

G ROUND R ULES 1. Only one person speaks at a time 2. Be respectful of peers and teacher 3. We are free to express our opinion or to participate in activities without being subjected to judgment or criticism 4. While participation is encouraged, each person has the right to pass 5. We do not share personal information or ask that of others 6. Each person comes prepared to each class

Q UESTION B OX

T HINK ABOUT D ECISION M AKING Student Activity: (to be collected) 1. How would you explain the difference between these two financial decisions: Saving Money Investing Money 2. What examples can you find that explain why some physically risky behaviors become life long problems? 3. Elaborate on a time you or someone you know successfully removed themselves from a risky situation.

D ECISION M AKING Decision Making is a 6-step process: State the situation List the options Weigh the consequences of each option Consider values Make a decision and act on it Evaluate your decision Quote: “If you have to think about it and/or manipulate your moral compass, then chances are your decision could be the wrong one.”

D ECISION M AKING S TEP 1 State the Situation - clearly identify the situation: Ask yourself: What decision do I need to make? Who is involved? Am I feeling pressure to make a decision? How much time do I have to decide?

D ECISION M AKING S TEP 2 List the Options: What are all the possible choices you could make? Remember that sometimes it is appropriate not to take action. Share your options with parents or guardians, siblings, teachers, or friends. Ask for their advice.

D ECISION M AKING S TEP 3 Weigh the Possible Outcomes: Use the H.E.L.P. strategy to guide your choice. (H) healthful – Does this choice present any health risks? (E) ethical – Does this choice reflect what you value? (L) legal – Does this option violate any local, state, or federal laws? (P) parent approval – Would your parents /guardians approve of your choice?

D ECISION M AKING S TEP 4 Consider Values: A responsible decision will reflect your values

D ECISION M AKING S TEP 5 Make a Decision and Act on it: Use everything you know at this point to make a responsible decision. You can feel good that you have carefully thought about the situations and your options.

D ECISION M AKING S TEP 6 Evaluate the Decision: Reflect on the success of the decision What was the outcome? How did your outcome impact your health and the health of others? Would you take the same action again? Why or why not?

D ECISION M AKING A CTIVITY

A NALYZE ONE OF OUR STATE ’ S LAWS DIRECTIONS: 1. Read the next slide. 2. Create and record at least 2 questions you would like to know about this North Carolina law “Safe Haven Law”

N ORTH C AROLINA G ENERAL S TATUTE 115C-47(52) PROVIDE HANDOUT Why is this law in effect? To Ensure That Certain Students Receive Information Annually on Lawfully Abandoning a Newborn Baby. Which students is the law referring to? Students in grades receive information annually on the manner in which a parent may lawfully abandon a newborn baby with a responsible person, in accordance with G.S. 7B ‑ 500.

N ORTH C AROLINA ’ S S AFE H AVEN L AW Class or group discussion – This is a very difficult and sensitive topic. Incorporate the decision making model. How would you help someone make or not make a critical decision?

N OW LETS TAKE A LOOK AT … Abstinence

A BSTINENCE How would you define the word? List the things that a person can abstain from. Categorize your list into groups.

A BSTINENCE Abstinence: Voluntarily refraining from intimate sexual contact that could result in unintended pregnancy or disease. Discuss What other behaviors and things you can abstain from? Volunteers share their list... Why is abstinence important?

A BSTINENCE “L ETTERS ” Use the class hand-out to perform the following task. Brainstorm a benefit of abstinence which uses the letter assigned to your group. You can find more than one benefit. Examples: A = avoiding becoming pregnant B = because Teens like freedom

A BSTINENCE The only 100% effective way to prevent sexual transmitted infections The only 100% effective way to prevent unplanned pregnancies The only 100% effective option for the combination of both STIs and unplanned pregnancy prevention.

P EER P RESSURE The influence that people your age may have on you… Positive (PPP) Inspiration, Encouragement - Can you think of a way that your peers have been a positive influence on you? Negative (NPP) Bullying, Manipulation - What can you do to minimize the amount of negative peer pressure in your life?

M ETHODS U SED IN N EGATIVE P EER P RESSURE Threats The promise of a negative consequence if you don’t do what is asked Blackmail Stating that they will release some damaging information if you don’t do what is asked Mocking Making fun of someone in order to get you to do what they want Guilt Trip Making someone feel guilty to get what they want Bargaining Offering something to get what they want in return Flattery Praising you to influence you to do what they want

R EFUSAL S KILLS The key is to practice and to have an excuse always on hand Steps to remember: 1. State Your Position - Learn to say “NO” many different ways 2. Suggest An Alternative - Say no and offer another activity to participate in 3. Stand Your Ground - Don’t be persuaded by Negative Peer Pressure, Stand Your Ground.

S TATING YOUR P OSITION Make a decision: Yes Not pressured into it and you feel comfortable with out manipulating your values/morals No (ways to say no) No My parents are waiting on me I have to watch my brother/sister I’m not comfortable with that I have too much work to do The one I love most would be disappointed in me Do you have another way to say no?

B EHAVIORS ? High Risk/Risky behaviors: The major objective is to lower health risks Abstaining from risky behaviors is the number one way to lower health risks… Today’s lesson specifically talks about abstaining from pre-marital intercourse, but you can substitute any risky behavior and abstain from it the same way.

M ESSAGE TO LEAVE YOU WITH … If a friend asks you to do something that you feel is wrong, you say NO. Yet they persist and try to persuade you to do it anyway. Are they truly your friend? Are they someone you should be hanging around? Are they a positive influence on your life? Would you follow through with your own advice?

N EXT L ESSON … F IND OUT WHAT THIS IS …