1. Abstinence

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

3. Part I Decision-Making

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

5. 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

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

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

8. 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!

9. 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

10. 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

11. Part II Abstinence

12. Definition of abstinence Five steps to help you stay abstinent

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

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

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

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

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

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

19. It’s great to wait!

20. Part III Refusal Skills

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

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

23. Part IV Consequences of Sexual Activity

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

25. 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!

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

27. 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

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