October is ‘Let’s Talk’ Month

Let’s Talk Month is a national campaign to emphasize the importance of conversations between young people and the adults they trust about sex and relationships.

Did you know:

The percentage of teens who say it would be easier for them to postpone sexual activity and avoid teen pregnancy if they were able to have more open, honest conversations with their parents is 87%? The percentage of teens who say they have not had a conversation like that with their parents is 37%?

Join G-CAPP in Participating in
Let’s Talk Month October 2007
Click here for press release.

Providing youth with accurate, reliable sex education is an important responsibility. Studies reveal that most young people prefer learning about sex from their parents.  Many parents are uncomfortable starting the conversation, though, and need support and encouragement. Parents need to know that they do not need to have all the answers to talk with their children about sex, and that it is important to share their values and beliefs about sex when they do talk to their children.

Such discussions can help young people delay sexual activity and avoid unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Research shows that the number one factor in healthy adolescent sexual decision-making is good communication and close relationships with a child’s parents or adult guardian.

Working together, parents and their communities can provide the information and skills necessary to prepare young people to become healthy adults. This month, there are many ways that you can help promote Let’s Talk Month, including:

Parents

Parents, step-parents, grandparents, mentors, and other caregivers can:

• Hold family discussions about sex and relationships.
• Utilize the Ten Tips for Parents to start conversations.

Teens

Peer educators, teen theater groups, sports teams, school bands and clubs can:

• Plan and implement a teen workshop about how teens can open up conversations with their parents or other trusted adults.
• Conduct a school skit or performance on parent-child communication.

Community Organizations

Community-based organizations can:

• Include an article about Let's Talk Month in your newsletter or bulletin.
• Provide parents with resources such as pamphlets, brochures, and articles about how to talk to their children.

Communities of Faith

Faith communities can:

• Sponsor workshops for parents on adolescent development and communication.
• Include Let’s Talk Month messages in sermons in October.

Resources

G-CAPP invites you to download the following documents to use in your organization or community to help promote Lets Talk Month.  Please let us know if you are planning activities or events so that we can provide highlights of statewide efforts on our web site.

• Sample press release to be sent to local newspapers
• Sample flier promoting Let’s Talk Month in Georgia
• The G-CAPP website provides strategies for talking with youth, links to other resources, and statistics on teen pregnancy.
• National organizations such as Advocates for Youth and the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy also provide useful information about parent-child communication on their web sites.

Examples of Events in Georgia

• Prevention in Action-Georgia and Planned Parenthood are offering several events throughout October. Click here for more information.
  
• Fernbank Science Center is offering a series of workshops titled "Growing Up with your Kids." Click here for more information.

Press Release
Media Contact: Kim Nolte, G-CAPP - 404-475-6043

For more information contact:
The Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention
100 Auburn Avenue, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30303