Health issues at DV

This is a statement from the Pike County YouthCoalition pertaining to the Delaware Valley School District’s letter to parentsdated 6/15/08 about the rise of teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections(STIs. “The increased rate of STI’s and teen pregnancy in the DVSD,while alarming, indicates what most students already were familiar with as thelack, and even complete absence, of comprehensive and effective sex education. It isour belief that this problem is also facilitated, if not caused, by societalfactors, such as the local dearth of alternative enjoyable youth activities andthe increasingly widespread acceptance of teenage sexual activity, especiallyin the mainstream media. While it can be easy to dismiss such recent statistics asbeing in tune with that of other school districts, locally and nationally, wemust work together to reverse them through the proactive engagement of teenagersin the school district. Unplanned teen pregnancies and the spread of STI’s can bereduced through hands-on and targeted education, including outlets for teens totalk with professionals about things they are not otherwise comfortable talkingabout with their parents. It is important to note that, according to nationalstatistics, teenagers are just as disapproving about their peers engaging inirresponsible sexual activity as their older counterparts. What needs to changeis the perception among young people that the opposite holds true-that”everyone is doing it” and that is it OK to overlook the potential consequencesfor sexual activity. Ending this perception and illuminating the facts to the contrary should be an integral part of increased education. It is crucially important that the public discourse aboutthe rise of teen pregnancy not deteriorate to one solely focused on a debate betweencontraceptives or abstinence. The reality is that about half of all high schoolstudents will engage in sexual intercourse, and there is no single and absoluteway of going about solving problems that may occur as a result. Above all, students mustbe part of the solution, including being a part of the process of curriculum development. They musy also aid by engaging their peers in productive activities andencouraging positive behavior. The most important influence to a teenager concerning his orher sexual activity, according to research, stems from parental guidance. Butthe community as a whole must work to support that guidance, through providing,among other things, enjoyable youth recreation and honest and practicaleducation.” Kaitlin Paul Pike County Youth Coalition