Web Sites by Topic 

Teen Sexuality

Adolescence is a time of sexual awakening. Teens’ bodies, thoughts, and emotions change rapidly, with sexual curiosity being strong.  Today, media plays an important role in the lives of teens and their sexuality.  Yet, less than 10% of movies, videos, and television programs with sexuality themes incorporated any reference to the consequences of sexual activity (http://depts.washington.edu/thmedia/view.cgi?section=teensex).  Teens must make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health.

Teen Sexuality, Teen Health and the Media provides information on abstinence, family planning, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to encourage young adults to make healthy choices about their sexuality (http://depts.washington.edu/thmedia/view.cgi?section=teensex).

Advocates for Youth provides accurate information about the reproductive and sexual health situations of youth and about the issues and barriers that they encounter.  It includes lesson plans and descriptions of plans that work  (http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/professionals.htm).  

GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network) works to make schools safe and affirming places by offering curriculum guides and awareness campaigns for educators and Catholic schools and providing resources for students.  Its Teach Respect campaign seeks to educate and inform Americans to address problems of anti-LGBT name calling, bullying, and harassment (http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/educator/educator/index.html) and (http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/news/record/1784.html).

National Mental Health Association, offers a brochure, What Does Gay Mean?, to improve understanding and respect for youth who are GLBT (www.nmha.org/whatdoesgaymean).

Ambiente Joven is a Spanish language web site for sexually active Latino youth.  It offers culturally relevant resources and support (www.ambientejoven.org).

The Media Project offers story ideas, script consultation on gay/lesbian issues and teen sexuality to media outlets (www.themediaproject.com).