We know that today’s youth are tomorrow’s adults. But we may not recognize that they are currently forming relationship norms for the future. The prevalence of cyber bullying and teen dating violence is climbing at bewildering rates. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in four adolescents report verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse from a dating partner each year.
Teens should understand it is okay not to have sex. In fact, abstinence is a great idea, especially if they want to avoid pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Of course there are all kinds of birth control methods that - when used carefully, correctly and consistently - can reduce the risk of pregnancy and decrease the risk of STIs.
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV attacks the body's immune system which fights against infections. A person who has HIV can feel healthy for many years; they do not know they have HIV unless they get a special blood test.