No Regrets When It Comes to Sex

There’s a stereotype surrounding young people and sex. The media has perpetuated the stereotype that an overwhelming majority of young people are engaging in sexual activity. However, according to The PEERS Project, this is not true.

The PEERS Project is a healthy relationships and abstinence education program that is implemented in many middle schools and high schools throughout the state of Indiana. The most unique aspect of the program is its student mentors. Student mentors teach a creative and interactive abstinence-based curriculum during health classes. They’ve found that students will be much more receptive to an abstinence message when it’s coming from peers who are making the same choices. Mentors Matt Ingram, Laura Guild, Tim Dugan, Emma Markey, Tim Bass and Kelly O’Neal find that when they set goals and get involved in positive activities, they have an easier time making constructive, healthy choices.

Author and speaker Justin Lookadoo has spent years talking to young adults about making positive choices when it comes to sex. But he doesn’t just focus on telling them what they can’t do. Instead he focuses on what they can do and gives them the tools they need to make healthy relationship decisions. He also points out how parents have the most critical role in influencing their children.

According to the PEERS and Justin, more young adults are choosing to abstain. By considering the vast consequences and focusing on their futures, they find making a difficult decision much easier.