Main menu:

Risky Behaviour

Why should I talk about risky behaviour? 

• To develop your child’s awareness of risks
• To enable your child to take measures to protect him/herself
• Because of the increasing number of 16 – 24 year olds with Chlamydia
• Because the media is full of confusing messages about sex and young people are looking for guidance.
• Because all the evidence shows that if you talk openly about sex, young people delay having sex and are more likely to use contraception.

• Because talking to their parents helps young people to be safer, feel less anxious and make up their minds.

How do I talk about risky behaviour?

TOP TIPS:

• Encourage your child to go out with groups of friends
• Encourage your child to communicate with you i.e. text or phone you to tell you where they are, when they may need a lift home etc
• Encourage your child to always keep their mobile phone switched on and in credit.
• Keep the lines of communication open with your teenager.

When is it right to talk about risky behaviour:
• Before parties
• Before going out with friends
• Whenever the topic can be introduced
• While watching TV programmes that deal with this topic – “Holly Oaks” and other soaps or documentaries
• In response to news reports about binge drinking, drug use etc.
• When you are doing everyday things together e.g. washing up, in the car so that it is a normal part of family life.What words should I use when I talk about risky behaviour?

• Peer pressure
• Condoms
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
• Alcohol
• Drugs
• Chlamydia
• Contraception
• Pregnancy
• HIV/AIDS

What facts can help me talk about risky behaviour?

• 40% of sexually active 13-14 year olds were drunk or stoned when they first had sex and they are much more likely to regret it
• Young people often talk about feeling pressurised into early sex and they need help in delaying until it’s right for them.
Open discussion can help them think things through and give them the confidence to resist these pressures.

Talk more about risky behaviour:

Links:

www.parentlineplus.org.uk; www.mindbodysoul.gov.uk ; www.northdorset-pct.nhs.uk www.teenagepregnancyunit.gov.uk ; www.avert.org ; www.swdorset-pct.nhs.uk ; www.drugscope.org.uk; www.alcoholconcern.org.uk; www.southandeastdorsetpct.nhs.uk ; www.nhsdirect.uk; www.playingsafely.co.uk ; www.ruthinking.co.uk