Here are some resources to help you navigate through this difficult and often sensitive subject with your teenager and facilitate discussions at home.
General Articles and Documents on Sex Education and Adolescent Sexuality
- Notes from Amp'd Week 1 on "The Naked Truth": Student Handout: "What Went Wrong?"
- Notes from Amp'd Week 2 on "The Naked Truth": Student Handout: What's a Teen Supposed to Do?"
- "Fast, Easy, and Unfulfilling Teen Sex"--A look at two communities touched by extreme cases of rampant teenage sexual activity, why the trouble may be closer to your town than you think (if it's not there already), and some suggestions for helping teens experience the lasting love they're substituting for ultimately unfulfilling sex.
- "Safest Sex Ed. Isn't Safe"--Top tips and all-time favorite resources for teaching this critical subject, from youth ministry professionals.
- "Just Say Virgin: A cross between Just Say No and True Love Waits"--Helping students learn that not everyone is "doing it," and it's cool to be a virgin.
- "Love in a Postmodern Age"--our society often confuses love and intimacy with sex. This article can help you explain the differences to your student.
- Focus on the Family has great resources, links, and articles for helping your teen deal with their sexuality. Check it out!
- Youth Specialties also has more great artiles for dealing with issues of sex, sexuality, and dating.
For Parents of Middle School Students
"Teaching Chastity to Middle Schoolers"--Addressing sexuality with early adolescents is tricky business, especially at a life stage when male and female development seems worlds apart. This article offers important insights.
Lust, Pornography, and Masturbation
"Boxers or Briefs? The Loss of Innocence"--discusses how media and other elements in society contribute to our objectification of people and the loss of innocence.
"Is Masturbation a Sin?"--an in-depth discussion on a very controversial topic, but a question that is on the minds of countless teens. Use this article to help you address this possibly difficult topic with your student.
"Dancing in the Dark: The Addictive Lure of Pornography"--"They may be outgoing honor students and athletes during the day, but then disappear each night into a shadow world, later filled with shame and disgust at their failures." This article will help you as a parent address this very sensitive but important issue with your child.
Youtube Video: The Evolution of Beauty--watch this video with your child and discuss the false impressions our media-driven society portray about how men and women are supposed to look.
XXXChurch.com is a powerful and very helpful website for dealing with pornography, sexual addiction, and more. There are videos, online support and counseling, and even software you can purchase to help filter and monitor your child's online activity.
Helps for Dealing with Victims of Sexual Abuse
Sexualy Orientation and Identity Resources
"Ministry to Bisexual Teenagers"
The Marin Foundation provides great resources and promotes understanding for both the Christian seeking to understand and reach out to those in the GLBT community and for those who are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transsexual, seeking to help them discover the hope and healing of Jesus Christ. From the homepage, you also have access to facebook groups and a blog.