Compelled by the Gospel, PPL equips Presbyterians to champion human life at every stage.
YOUTH SEXUALITY SERIES
ACTIVE PARENTING HELPS KEEP KIDS SAFE IN A SEX-CHARGED WORLD
Compelled by the Gospel, PPL equips Presbyterians to champion human life at every stage
PPL YOUTH SEXUALITY SERIES
ACTIVE PARENTING KEEPS KIDS SAFE
IN A SEX-CHARGED WORLD
By PPL Board Member Dr. Patricia Lee June
September 2019
Ways to protect your children away from home
Investigate your school system’s sex ed curricula. Some reinforce what you teach; others push sex “as long as you are ‘ready’ and it is consensual” as well as acceptance of non-heterosexual sexual activity. Remember that curricula can change, so check it out every year.
While you cannot eliminate what your children see from acquaintances at school/at friends’ homes, get to know your children’s friends and their families. If they do not share your values or if they provide inadequate supervision, allow your children invite them over to public spaces in your home while you are there, but do not allow your children to go out with them or go to their homes.
Watch out for movie theatres. Not only are most movies today inappropriate for youth (or adults), but the movies are common places for young teen girls to meet boys (often older boys) and leave with them, returning in time to be picked up by parents.
The risk of sexual activity increases with the greater difference in age between the girl and boy.
Make sure that alcohol (and other drugs) are not available at social events your teen attends – or available to them and their friends at your house. Warn your children about the inhibition lowering effects of alcohol and other drugs, including as they leave for college.
Let them know that they can always call you if they get into a risky situation.
Red flags:
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Depression
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Falling grades
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Alcohol or drug use or smoking
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Friends that use these or are sexually active
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Provocative clothing, music, emails and texts
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Pornography and sexting
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Withdrawal from healthy activities/non-communicativeness/defiance
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Excessive public physical affection
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Signs of pregnancy or of hiding pregnancy; urinary tract infection
Dr. June is a practicing Pediatrician in Moultrie, GA. Dr. June graduated from Emory University School of Medicine in 1975 and has been in practice for 44 years. She completed a residency at University of Alabama Hospital, is certified in Internal Medicine and is affiliated with Colquitt Regional Medical Center. Dr. June serves as a board member of the Amerian College of Pediatrics as well as Presbyterians Protecting Life.
