“Teen Straight Talk” is a community based program supported by over 60  organizations, businesses and individuals. It is designed to be an “Ice Breaker” and open up a line of communication between parents, grandparents, and foster parents, to be able to talk to their teens, tweens and preteens (Ages 10 – 18).  

 This free program is divided into two major parts. The first part allows for open discussions on topics that involve high rates of teen problems such as peer pressure, depression, eating disorders, suicides, body image problems and bullying. The second part presents the “Big Decision,” which is a comprehensive sex education program that educates with pictures, diagrams and dialogue, along with providing resource materials for adults and adolescents on topics including: Male & Female Anatomy, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Teen Pregnancy, Abstinence, Sexual Responsibility & Consequences, Contraceptives & Protection, Community Resources and Question & Answer Time.

Proposed change:

“Teen Straight Talk” is a community based program supported by over 60  organizations, businesses and individuals. It is designed to be an “Ice Breaker” and open up a line of communication between parents, grandparents, and foster parents, to be able to talk to their teens, tweens and preteens (Ages 10 – 18).  

This free program is divided into two major parts. The first part allows for open discussions on topics that involve high rates of teen problems such as peer pressure, depression, eating disorders, suicides, body image problems and bullying. The second part presents the “Big Decision,” which is a comprehensive sex education program that educates with pictures, diagrams and dialogue, along with providing resource materials for adults and adolescents on topics including: Male & Female Anatomy, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Teen Pregnancy, Abstinence, Sexual Responsibility & Consequences, Contraceptives & Protection, Community Resources and Question & Answer Time.

Implementation, outcomes and evaluation:

“Teen Straight Talk” provides education to the community on important, yet sensitive topics, three times a year, plus offering education to smaller groups on request. Beside education this program is involved in research, and has educated over 2,200 adults and adolescents.

Implications for nursing practice:

The goal of this program is to help decrease the high rate of teen pregnancy and STD’s in this community through education. All the educators are health care professionals including nursing faculty, nurse practitioners and nursing students.

Keywords: Comprehensive Sex Education, Teen Pregnancy, STD Education