Presentation Transcript

1. Adolescence & Abstinence A presentation for 6th grade students Presenters: Desiree Moore Kristin Spahlinger Vamadria Johnson Elisabeth Wasilewski

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

3. Part IDecision-Making

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

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 IIAbstinence

12. Abstinence 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! http://www.cfoc.org/VideoSpots/

20. Part IIIRefusal 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. 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. When in doubt… Wait until marriage to experiment with sex! Practice abstinence!