Parentz of teenz who are involved in the GET A GRIP teenz program have full access to the complete handbook. This provides common sense guidance to support your teen in navigating healthy sexuality. We invite you to enjoy the introduction and contact us if you would like to know more.

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2. Welcome
Every day, parents and caregivers of teens are confronted with challenging
questions and situations surrounding sexuality. It can be an overwhelming
task to keep up-to-date and prepared.
As each generation passes, concerns from parents and professionals regarding risky sexual
behaviour are becoming more apparent. Our kids are heavily influenced by peers, society,
pornography and cultural viewpoints. It can be daunting for a parent to realise how strongly
their teen is being influenced to behave sexually. The reality is, teens listen to and watch a lot
of media, have hormones flooding through their body at varying degrees and are learning how
to express sexuality. Navigating these years successfully is important to their sexual, physical
and mental health, and their overall wellbeing.
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The good news is parents can have a huge influence in their teen’s life and
sexual decision making.
Regular open, positive and honest conversation between parents and teens can lead to a delay
in sexual activity. Teens may give you the impression they don’t need you anymore or pretend
they’re not listening, but in reality, this is a time when they secretly find safety in boundaries.
Your teen does care about what you think ­ particularly when it comes to sex. However, the
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challenge for most parents is having the confidence to talk about the multilayered dimensions
of relationships and sexuality.
“You know your child best so that makes you a vital and
valuable asset in communicating with your child about sex!”
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3. Getting
Started
What’s Important
Starting conversations about sex years before your kids reach adolescence will make your
discussions easier. Whether or not we are comfortable discussing sex, your teen is learning
about themselves, their identity, body image and their sexuality. They want to hear what you
have to say and most of all, want your love and acceptance no matter who they are and how
their sexuality emerges.
Make the most of every opportunity:
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Aim to make your relationship a safe place to ask questions
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Be someone who knows what they’re talking about
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Welcome
Never treat their questions as embarrassing
Personal development and sexuality conversations are likely to be initiated by your child
when they are younger. Making the most of these opportunities and responding with ageappropriate answers will make your job so much easier as your child becomes a teen.
What is most important is to know that you are not alone. Every parent needs to talk about
sex and sexuality with their child. Parents just like you are struggling with what to say, when to
explain and how to deal with the various emotions this topic evokes.
Be positive! You know your child/teen best and that makes you the most valuable asset in
communicating about sex. This, combined with a comprehensive approach from your teen’s
school, will help equip your child to progress positively toward healthy sexual development.
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4. Getting
Started
Common Barriers
if the issue was easy, we wouldn’t need a guide!
There are many reasons why a parent or caregiver and their teen may struggle with having
a good discussion about sexuality. We’ve listed below some of the more common reasons.
Sometimes acknowledging the barriers is the first step to overcoming them.
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‘If I talk to my teen about sex and smart choices, they may go out and start doing it! I
don’t want to stir up an issue they don’t seem interested in.’
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Let’s Talk
‘In some ways my teen seems to already know so much about sex. Don’t they get Sex
Ed at school? What more info would they need?’
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‘Whenever I broach the subject, I feel awkward and end up embarrassing myself and
my teen!’
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“Trust your instincts.
If you think you should
be talking more with
your teen about sex and
relationships...
I’m not sure when I should start talking about sex? What is appropriate? How many
details do they need?’
Welcome
‘My teen is already sexually active. I’ve told them about using a condom – what
more can I say?’ OR ‘It’s too late- they have already started having sex.’
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5. Let’s
Talk
Before we get to WHAT to say, here are some things to keep in mind about
HOW to say it:
Welcome
BE
POSITIVE
Whether your teen is dealing with sex and relationships or struggling
with body image, supporting your teen will go a long way to building
confidence, self-esteem and how to handle social pressures.
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BE
REAL
BE
OPEN
BE
NORMAL
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You are not going to be able to cover everything in one
conversation. Discussing different aspects about sex,
relationships and self-image in multiple converstaions
(and often) will be of greater benefit to you and your teen.
Asking your teen how they are feeling may help them to
share with you their thoughts and concerns.
Communicating about sex as a health concern keeps it in the context
of other health issues they may be facing. Remember the more
communication the less heartache and health risks.
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6. Let’s
Talk
Solutions to tough Questions helping you answer those tough questions!
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Not sure when to start talking, what is appropriate or how many details they need:
Use every opportunity – when your child sees movies, TV shows, raunch t-shirts,
music clips – any time is a good time to help them contextualise what they see. If
your child has seen sexually explicit content, they need a safe space to deconstruct
those messages, without being made to feel dirty or ashamed. (This may require
professional support.)
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Be led by your child as to how many details are required. Ask them lots of questions
to make sure you understand what they are asking. A detailed explanation of a head
job will be very embarrassing for you and your teen, if they were actually asking
about a hedgehog!
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I feel awkward and embarrassed:
Most parents are!! Perhaps your own feelings about sexuality will be confronted as
you launch into this topic. Self-preparation is key. Take a deep breath and remember
that these regular conversations are for the benefit of your teen’s healthy sexual
development. If you find yourself becoming over-anxious about discussing sexuality,
perhaps consider some self-care and talk with a professional.
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7. Let’s
Talk
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My teen knows everything already:
Nice thought, but the truth is, there’s always so much more to consider when it
comes to healthy sexuality. If your school has sex ed, find out what they cover and
compliment your teens learning.
Utilise the ASK YOURSELF series, found at
http://www.youthwellbeingproject.com.au/teenz This series of questions offers you
and your teen an opportunity to consider the different aspects of healthy sexual
development.
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Started
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I’m concerned that if I talk about it, then my teen will want to go out and do it:
Studies have repeatedly shown that comprehensive sex education does not lead
to earlier onset of sexual activity and, in some cases, will even lead to it happening
later. And about 80% of teens say that it would be much easier for them to delay
sexual activity and avoid teen pregnancy if they were able to have more open,
honest conversations about these topics with their parents.
My teen is already sexually active:
Has your teen got a GP? Do they know about contraception and are they aware
of where to access a sexual health clinic? Have you helped them to get their own
medicare card?
Be there for them and offer extra support if their relationship doesn’t work out –
they may need more emotional support than they are willing to admit to, so if they
don’t want to talk to you, help them find a safe and wise alternative.
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Topics
Does your school have a sexual health program which helps you talk to
your teen?
Youth Wellbeing Project gives schools, youth organisations and parents the opportunity
to partner together to deal with the realities of what your teen and their peers may
encounter in the coming years, and equips teens with strategies to help them make smart
choices.
GET A GRIP teenz has been developed to positively educate teens with an understanding of
how to build healthy relationships, look after their physical, sexual and emotional health;
and make smart choices. Depending on the delivery setting, GET A GRIP teenz involves
participation from teachers, support workers or suitably qualified and approved community
volunteers.
GET A GRIP teenz is a
vital part of equipping your
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At all times, your teen will value the support of you, the parent!
child to look forward to life,
love and empowerment as
healthy members
of society
An educational program
on self-awareness, smart
choices and sexuality.
Parentz of teenz who are involved in the GET A GRIP teenz program
have full access to the complete handbook. This provides common
sense guidance to support your teen in navigating healthy sexuality.
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Topics
Weekly Core Elements
#1: Pressures Standing strong against peer and cultural pressures
#2: Smart Choices Finding clarity and making smart choices in complex situations
#3: Respect & Consent Understanding relationship expectations and the balance of power
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#4: Proactive Intervention Recognising the warning signs and taking action to combat gender-based violence
#5: Sex & The Body Being proactive in avoiding STIs and looking after physical health
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#6: Pregnancy Making a healthy decision in a complex situation
#7: Pornography & Sexting Deconstructing representations of sexuality in media and culture
#8: Diversity Valuing the individual and creating understanding about sexual diversity
#9: ‘Whole-person’ Sexuality Strengthening communication and assertive responses to pressure
#10: Creating my Future Realising that healthy sexuality is so much more than just physical
Get a GRIP teenz is based on whole-person centred sexuality education.
This approach encompasses the dimensions of wellbeing (physical, emotional, mental, social
and spiritual), in light of research related to behavioural patterns, neuroscience and social
determinates. A positive overlap and interconnectivity of these factors, collectively provides
young people with a sense of value, empathy, resilience and confidence in their ability to
embrace their sexuality and attain sexual wellbeing.
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Topics
GET A GRIP teenz offers a whole-person centred approach in the wellbeing of adolescents and
addresses the real issues surrounding sexuality and relationships. The program:
• Provides current and relevant information
Welcome
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Started
• Encourages youth to question prevailing social attitudes
• Establishes boundaries of mutual respect based on unambiguous consent
• Identifies how sex is connected to intimacy
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• Empowers young people to make smart choices
• Equips youth with understanding and tools to negotiate sexual choices and life challenges
• Gives youth an opportunity to assess how smart choices will have a positive effect on their
self-worth; and emotional, mental and physical well-being.
In a safe environment, facilitators encourage your teen to assess their knowledge, attitudes
and perceived risks and norms which affect their behaviour. Information is personalised
through highly interactive activities appropriate to culture, developmental level and previous
sexual perceptions.
‘If you haven’t
found the perfect
time to chat about
sex - NOW
is your golden
opportunity!’
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Contact us:
Phone: 07 3102 3684
Mobile: 0438 124 780
Email: contact@youthwellbeingproject.com.au
Web: www.youthwellbeingproject.com.au
Contact us to ask us
how GET A GRIP teenz
can help you, your
teen and your local
High School or
Youth Organisation!
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