Any ideas out there for a parent informational night/speaker regarding a sensitive topic "Teen Promiscuity". We're a middle school (grades 6-8)in a small, affluent suburb. Many parents aren't thinking this is happening in "their town" -- but it is! 6th, 7th and 8th graders that are WAY MORE than just kissing each other!! I realize that as a PTO this is a touchy subject, but we've had several parent requests for a way to address this. Anyone out there attempt to tackle this? I know we're not alone with this problem.

There's a terrific article on the National PTA website entitled "Talking to your Teens about sex" it's at www.pta.org/parentinvolvement/healthsafe...talking_teen_sex.asp
I would try to contact your school district first and see if there is someone they can recommend. Perhaps you can go through your health department also and see if they have a presentation for parents.

An administrator from the local hospital would be a good person to speak because he/she would have real numbers for your area on teen pregnancy and STD rates.

Thanks for your replies. The PTA article was very good. I really like the idea about contacting a local hospital. I'm also going to reach out to our school nurse who's also aware of this alarming trend.

Just a couple of suggestions, I would reevaluate the title of the discussion away from Teen Promiscuity to a more PC name. Secondly, even though you are addressing parents, I would contact your district for any input. We have had some hysterical people objecting to state, local approved sex ed. type stuff that you can opt your kids out of at the school board meetings. Some things that seem so productive and important can raise odd objections, so I would try to head off any negatives so you can accomplish your goals. Good luck!

Learning the ropes has a point.

I've taught the abstinence class for teen girls at church. It's scary. You have to walk a fine line of teaching them something useful while not upsetting the parents or offending anyone.

If you have a health care professional help, you can usually find a way to give useful information in a way that goes in. The parents will get offended if you get up and say "this is what your kids are doing." Offended people don't learn.