When Did Porn Become Sex-Ed? Why healthy conversation about sexuality is the antidote.

So we know that teens who use porn as their go-to source for information can get a really distorted view about sexuality. Peggy Orenstein talks about this discomforting trend in "Girls and Sex: Navigating the Complicated New Landscape,” and in this New York Times article.

The challenge for parents today is to put sexuality into the context of values. We need to acknowledge that porn is easy to access. And that it doesn't depict real relationships. Porn is the fantasy that the porn producer creates. No more real than the story telling that occurs in all kinds of TV shows and movies. "Family Guy" is not a great primer on healthy family dynamics, and PornHub is not helping anyone learn to be a better lover.

Research indicates that when parents talk with their kids about their values about sex, kids make healthier choices. 

But it's important to emphasize that "Just Say No" is not a conversation. Promoting abstinence as a healthy choice among youth within the context of a comprehensive understanding of sexuality is a great idea. But abstinence only programs have proven to be ineffective in preventing unintended pregnancies and STIs,

Want some practice having healthy conversations about sex with your kids? Not sure how to start? We offer Free Parent Discussion Groups! Click here for more info!