Adolescence is a time for “sexploration.” And with the click of a button, the internet has made it extremely easy to acquire information about sex and sexuality! The internet has increasing become the primary source of sexuality education and information; leaving a generation of adolescents more confused, misinformed and unprepared for the consequences of receiving inaccurate or misleading messages about sexuality which unfortunately results in increasing teen pregnancy rates, increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections including HIV, abortions and/or mental and emotional damage.
While I am all for the promotion of and accessibility to comprehensive sex education, I am not quite sure I can totally endorse the concept of adolescents totally relying on the internet as a means of receiving true comprehensive sex education.
My concerns are based on the accuracy and reliability of the information and material that may be posted on such “sex education” website. Teens need to have a reputable place to receive education and information about sexuality. Websites like www.beautifully-me.com, Coalition for Positive Sexuality or Planned Parenthood’s www.betterthansexed.org, website offers reliable education and information from a staff of qualified professional sex educators. In addition, Beautifully Me’s website offers readers an opportunity to receive answers to any questions they may have by contacting our professional sex coach via email or telephone. This is an important component to our online sexuality education website because it allows readers to gain clarity or clear up any misconceptions by immediately providing access to someone who is qualified to address their questions or concerns. That way our reader leaves our site fully informed and empowered!
Another concern with online sex education websites is that the meta tags, which are designed to help users when searching for websites, could possibly be redirect a user to an sex porno, adult chat and/or adult sex & swinger website versus an educational sex website with material that is appropriate for adolescents usage which could potentially present a more dangerous situation for a vulnerable and uninformed adolescent.
Parents need to be aware that your teen maybe viewing some of these “sex education” websites. If you find that to be the case, visit the website yourself to ensure the integrity of the materials on the website. Review the content of the website with your adolescent to ensure that they understand what they are reading. Use it as a great talking point to begin open and honest conversations about sex. Remember it is not the responsibility of the internet to educate your adolescent about sexuality. If you are uncomfortable talking with your adolescent about sexuality, refer them to a qualified sex educator.
