With such diverse influences from the media, and from peers, teen life can be confusing to navigate. Times can be confusing because young people are making a myriad of life changing decisions that will set a course for their lives. More than a few teens have not had positive and healthy relationships modeled for them, some live in abusive or violent situations, and others belong to statistics that speaks of 40% of all marriages ending in divorce. These reasons testify for clear messages from trusted friends and adults that give the tools needed for our teens to have healthy and bright futures. A strong abstinence message among other vital messages, heard at home, in schools, and in communities is a must in order to guide pre-teens and teens through a potentially difficult time.

Sadly there is evidence showing 1 in 4 sexually active teens acquiring a sexually transmitted infection (STI) each year, and with over 700,000 teen girls becoming pregnant annually, the physical consequences of teen sex are evident. In addition, few, if any, teens are mature enough to handle the other aspects of sex: attachment, bonding, and emotional consequences. A recent medical journal article speaks to these often disconnected effects of sex this way, “Whether or not a pregnancy or STI occurs, early sexual initiation has been associated with poorer emotional health for adolescents, including depression, increased risk of suicide, lower self-of-steam, and regret of sexual activity, as well as a higher likelihood to experience sexual exploitation, (such as statutory rape) and unwanted or forced intercourse.” [American Journal of Healthy Behavior 2008;32(1) 60-73]. Clearly, we can best help our teens by supporting them in keeping a commitment to premarital abstinence.

With this understanding of the teen world, NWFS’ programs examine the reasons teens have sex, the positive and negative uses of sex, and the reasons to abstain. They take a direct look at the world of teen sex today and at the freedoms that come with a commitment to waiting. Our programs also incorporate practical skill-building exercises such as resisting pressure, setting boundaries, and examining relationships. Programs include class presentations and workshops. Stemming from our knowledge and experience in relationship education, NWFS is also able to offer STI/STD and sexual health education with a focus on abstinence as an effective form of prevention.

While STI education is an important part of sexual health and family life education in our programs it is grounded in a more comprehensive approach to the issues of teen life.