It’s Back to School Time by Kim Iverson

During the 2014/2015 school year, our team of Straight Talk presenters met with over 4,000 students.  Those students enjoyed the interactive illustrations used to help them apply the information to their lives.  After one of our presentations, one student wrote what she liked best “were the facts we learned about our body and what we should avoid.” Another commented that “It helped me learn about making decisions.”  Many other comments have demonstrated the teens have gotten the ultimate point reporting what they will remember most is to save all sexual activity for marriage.  Opposing organizations would argue that teens will have sex anyway so a sexual risk avoidance approach is a waste of time.  I disagree and the latest national statistics prove once again that we must invest our time in teaching teens to wait, explaining why it is important and then support their decision to save all sexual activity for marriage.  “The CDC reports that in 2011-2013, 44% of female teenagers and 47% of male teenagers aged 15-19 had experienced sexual intercourse; the percentage has declined significantly, by 14% for female and 22% for male teenagers, over the past 25 years.”  This decline has happened during a time when teens are bombarded by a culture that says casual sex and multiple partners are no big deal as long as you practice “safe sex”.  Imagine the difference we could make in the lives of these teens if programs like those offered through Solutions had the funding that other organizations receive such as Planned Parenthood.  I believe teens are smart enough to choose abstinence when they understand the risks of STI exposure and unplanned pregnancy.  Pop recording artist Meghan Trainor has a line in one of her songs that I feel could sum up the lesson learned by students who are choosing to wait after realizing the potential risks of teen sex.  That line,  “Tell me, do you think I’m dumb.  I might be young, but I ain’t stupid” may have grammatical issues but, in my opinion,  should be the standard response to anyone who encourages teens to be sexually active, even with condom usage. 

With the new school year fast approaching we are looking for new presenters to work with us in the schools of Monmouth County.  We have found that Youth Pastors are well equipped to speak with the teens on these sensitive subjects and hope that you are feeling called by the Lord to join our team.  If you are interested and available during the weekday from September through June please contact the staff of Solutions or download a volunteer application here.