Starting the conversation about healthy relationships and sexual health with youth will help them make good decisions as they learn about their sexuality and begin their own relationships.  When youth have questions, it is important that they have someone they can go to get real facts and advice.

As role models in their lives, youth will look to you for guidance and advice as they begin to shape their beliefs. Whether you are an elder, parent, friend, teacher, mentor or coach, being willing to talk about healthy relationships and sexual health will help them form healthy habits and beliefs from the beginning.

It is important to start any conversation about healthy relationships and sexuality with respect.  Showing respect for youth will help them respect you too! Talking to youth and helping them to form healthy habits will also help them to respect themselves and their partner(s).

 Here are some links you can look at for ways to talk about healthy relationships and sexual health with youth:

• Sexuality and U is a site by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada that provides sexual health education for everyone from teens to health professionals – parents included!

• Advocates for Youth’s Parent Sex Ed Center has information about starting to talk to youth about relationships and sexual health

• Teaching Sexual Health has resources for parents and teachers to help make talking about relationships and sexual health with youth a positive experience

• Advocates for Youth also has a Sex Education Resource Center for anyone who does formal sexual health instruction