Expert Advises Parents on Talking to Teens About Modern Sex Trends.
In a recent CNN interview, sex researcher and educator Debby Herbenick discussed the challenges parents face in addressing contemporary issues related to teen sexuality.
Her new book, ‘Yes, Your Kid: What Parents Need to Know About Today’s Teens and Sex,’ aims to guide parents through difficult conversations about sex, considering the impact of technology and changing social norms.
Herbenick highlighted concerning trends such as rough sex and choking among teens, emphasizing the need for parents to be aware and informed.
According to her research, nearly 40% of women aged 18 to 29 report experiences of choking during sex, a once rare practice now prevalent in mainstream media and social platforms.
The interview also touched on image-based sexual abuse, commonly known as revenge porn, affecting around 5% of teens, with 9- to 12-year-olds also involved in sharing explicit content without consent. Additionally, the conversation covered emerging concerns like online image-based evaluative voyeurism and deep fakes, urging parents to address these issues with their children.
To help parents initiate these critical discussions, Herbenick provided practical tips such as committing to five minutes a week for conversations, asking questions to understand teen perspectives, and acknowledging discomfort while remaining calm. She emphasized the importance of being a supportive and open-minded resource for teens.
In conclusion, Herbenick expressed hope and optimism, encouraging parents to share her book, ‘Yes, Your Kid,’ as a tool to navigate these challenging conversations and foster healthy relationships with their teens.
Source : CNN
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/08/health/parents-teens-talk-sex-wellness/index.html