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During adolescence, many teens will become sexually active. In fact, by grade 11, half of all teens have already had a sexual relationship.
Many parents express concern about their teen becoming sexually active. They worry about sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) or an unplanned pregnancy. But rest assured, there are many ways to help your teen stay safe. And the best time to start is before they become sexually active.
First of all, many birth control options exist for preventing unplanned pregnancies, including condoms, birth control pills, contraceptive rings and patches, and IUDs. Some contain hormones and others do not. Condoms are still the most effective way to protect against STBBIs while also preventing pregnancy. And using a hormonal birth control method with a condom provides double protection. That said, there are several things that can hold teens back from using condoms, such as embarrassment, fear of rejection, or the heat of the moment.
But remember! There’s much more to sexuality than just penetration and reproduction. Sexuality can also be explored through sexual activities that involve little or no risk of STBBIs and pregnancy, such as kissing, touching, masturbation, and more.
As a parent, you can guide your teen on how to have a healthy, responsible and fulfilling sex life. You can help them make informed decisions about their sexuality and give them information about how to protect themselves against STBBIs and unplanned pregnancies.
Statistics
- According to the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (2019), young people between the ages of 15 and 24 are one of the age groups most affected by STBBIs. More than half of all cases of chlamydia diagnosed are in this age group.
- According to data from the Québec Health Survey of High School Students (2016-2017), 78% of teens use a method of contraception. In contrast, only 58% of teens use condoms (down from 68% in 2010-2011). When it comes to dual protection, 41% use a hormonal method and condoms.
- According to the ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux, the pregnancy rate among women between the ages of 14 and 17 has declined steadily from 2001-2003 (17.5 per 1,000) to 2014-2016 (6.8 per 1,000). And it’s no coincidence this decline coincides with better access to hormonal birth control methods!
Want to learn more ?
Check out our information sheets for more statistics, key facts, and solutions for families, schools, and communities.
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Tips and tricks
Keep a box of condoms in a discreet place that your teen can take if needed. Fill the box regularly, with no questions asked. Take the opportunity to leave pamphlets about sexual health in the box. If your teen needs help, they’ll know where to find it!
In short
As a parent, you can give your teen information about how to protect themselves against STBBIs and unplanned pregnancies. Whether it’s talking to them about different ways to stay safe, discussing how to stand up for themselves, or pointing them to a variety of sexual health resources, you’re encouraging your teen to have a responsible sex life.
Practical resources and tools
1. For support :
Are you dealing with a situation that worries you? Ask for help:
2. For more information :
- Mosaïk – Le Bulletin: How do I talk to my child about contraception?
- Mosaïk – Le Bulletin: How do I talk to my child about condoms?
- Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections.
- The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada website: Sex & U (sexandu.ca)
- Brochure on contraception from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
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