Where do young people get information about puberty and sexuality?
From TV shows and commercials, Internet sites and chat rooms, magazines, talks with other students on the school bus or on the schoolyard, from older siblings, and kids in the neighborhood. Sometimes young people get information from their teachers or with a faith-based group leader or from a parent. What type of information do young people need about puberty, sexuality, and relationships to help them make healthy, informed decisions? Young people need medically accurate information about their bodies, the process of puberty, and the responsibilities that come with adulthood. First, young people need to know that puberty is a normal process and will unfold from age 9 to 19. And everyone is different so changes won’t happen to everyone at the same time. Young adults need medically accurate information about how to prevent pregnancy and how to prevent sexually transmitted infections. What types of physical changes should boys and girls be prepared for during puberty? Girls will start the
