Yes, you really do!  Over 1 million people in the United States are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and 21% of those who are infected do not know they have HIV, according to the Center for Disease Control’s current statistics.

HIV does not discriminate. Anyone can become infected if he or she engages in risky behaviors. And there still is no cure and no vaccine. So it’s really important to talk about it.  World AIDS Day on December 1 is a perfect opportunity to open a conversation.

You may have put off talking about HIV/AIDS with your teen because you feel uncomfortable or lack enough knowledge about the topic. Or maybe you didn’t realize that it is necessary to talk about it. Some parents fear that a discussion about sex and other risky behaviors will encourage experimentation. However, research has shown that talking about HIV/AIDS actually improves the chances of delaying sex and decreases the chances of unprotected sex.

But it doesn’t need to be as awkward and challenging as you might imagine.  Keep in mind that this is not a one-time conversation. Educating your teen about HIV/AIDS can be part of ongoing conversations you are encouraged to have about risky behaviors and possible consequences.

Need some help getting started? Try the following tips to guide you.

• If you feel uncomfortable, it’s OK to let your child know. You can tell your teen that although this is a bit awkward for both of you, talking about HIV is too important to not talk about it.

• Know the facts and accept reality.  Here are some of the facts.  Every 9 ½ minutes, someone in the U.S. becomes infected with HIV. It is primarily spread through unprotected sex or sharing needles. According to the CDC’s 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey of high school students in the U.S., 46% have had sexual intercourse at least once, 34% are currently sexually active, and 39% did not use condoms the last time they had sex.

• Share your values.  Most teens really do care what their parents think. Let them know your views about sex and drug use. Encourage appreciation for a healthy body. Take advantage of “talk opportunities,” such as a public service announcement, T.V. show, or movie (e.g.,“Rent”), a school program or a news article related to World AIDS Day.

• Create an open environment. Let your teens know you are always available if they have any questions or concerns, even if they think you might not approve. Explain why you believe it’s important to discuss this. The bottom line is that you love your kids and want them to be safe and healthy.
Speaking with your teen about HIV/AIDS is a critical step in helping to prevent this dangerous disease. Learn the facts. Spread the word, not the virus. If your teen has already put him/herself at risk, or if you have, get tested.

Resources:

• Jewish Community Services’ Prevention Education programs provide education about HIV/AIDS to students, staff, and parents in schools and community groups in an age appropriate manner. Members of our speakers’ bureau openly and honestly share their personal stories, bringing to life what it’s really like to live with a disease which has no cure. Visit http://www.jcsbaltimore.org/prevention

• World AIDS Day, designated on December 1 since 1988, focuses on increasing awareness, improving education, and helping those affected by HIV/AIDS.

• Websites: http://www.avert.org/world-aids-day.htm, and http://www.nineandahalfminutes.org/

By Robin Sweeney, Health Educator, Prevention Education, Jewish Community Services, Baltimore, MD

Questions about parenting?  Send an email to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).  To learn more about how JCS can help you solve life’s puzzles, visit http://www.jcsbaltimore.org or call 410-466-9200.  Jewish Community Services is an agency of THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore.