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Tips for Teens |
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- Get informed. Your decisions affect your life. Learn the facts about sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and the consequences of sexual activity, including psychological consequences. Many religions, including Catholicism strongly discourage sex outside of marriage. Learn why. (Want a place to start? Read Sex: What do Women (and Men) Really Want? by Theresa Notaré, M.A.)
- Consider how pregnancy would affect your future goals. Learn the relationship between teenage pregnancy and poverty, violence and education. Think about how getting pregnant now would affect your education, extracurricular activities, living situation, involvement in sports, etc.
- Know what sex does and doesn't do. Sex has both a procreative and a unitive aspect. Although it may make you feel closer to a person, it doesn't make that person love you or respect you. That is why the Church stresses the importance of the sexual act within the context of marriage. Also, a child won't make a person stay with you. Eight in every ten teenage fathers do not marry the mother of their child.14
- It's okay to say no. There are a lot of good reasons to say "no". Abstinence is the only 100% effective way to avoid pregnancy or STDs. Whether you're concerned about jeopardizing your future goals, protecting your feelings, staying disease free, or avoiding pregnancy, you have a right to say "no". It is your life, your emotions and your future. Speak up for yourself.
- Remember, everybody isn't doing it. Less than half of high school age teenagers are having sex.
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The Effects of Teenage Pregnancy
Teen Dating Abuse Hotline
1-866-331-9474
How You Can Help
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