Sexuality & Dating

Sexuality & Dating
See also: General Health Sites and Explore St. Louis: When You Need Help

BOOKS ON TEEN PREGNANCY
If you like reading about teens coping with an unplanned pregnancy.

AIDS: the TeenAIDS Peer Corps
This site about HIV and AIDs specifically targets teens. A variety of interactive features includes the opportunity to post your questions about AIDs transmission, a discussion forum about AIDs-related issues, and online surveys. In addition to basic AIDs information, the site includes links to foreign statistics, Harvard-based research, and more. In the "Visual Aids" section you'll find video clips to download, online comics, & "The Teen Art Corner." Suggestions on ways teens can work against AIDs in their own communities round out the site.

Coalition for Positive Sexuality
Its stridently non-judgemental approach toward sexuality sets this in-your-face site apart from the others, and could offend some teens. For instance, the editors state "We chose words for this guide that we use when we talk about sex with our friends. We're not doctors and we don't pretend to be, so pardon our French." On the plus side, you'll find detailed info. on a variety of topics pertaining to sexaulity: birth control, AIDs and other STDs, pregnancy, abortion, sexual orientation, respecting yourself and others, alternatives to intercourse, and much, much more. A moderated (READ: no porn or abusing others allowed) forum is provided where teens can discuss their concerns online.

FFYR Protect Yourself
Sponsored by MTV, this web site offers the same clear, teen-relevant information MTV is known for in its other venues. Facts about birth control and STDs are in plain, unvarnished, and straightforward language. There are articles on communicating with partners, safe and responsible sex, and where to go for help.

Growing Up
This KidsHealth website contains important information for those older kids/young teens who are experiencing the roller coaster ride of puberty, a time when both your body and mind are changing. Topics covered are those which pertain to both genders, and include subjects like menstruation, shaving, and voice changes.

I Wanna Know
This searchable site from the American Social Health Organization offers straightforward information on sexuality issues ranging from puberty to sexually transmitted diseases, with an emphasis on feelings and relationships. Interactive features include a chat room and the "Game Room" (you do need to download the free plug-in Shockwave before playing the games). One particularly nice extra, The South Treybourne Diaries, follows a group of fictional teens as they cope with sexual issues.

Info for Teens from Planned Parenthood
This searchable site provides sex info. geared to teens, including articles on birth control, pregnancy, abortion, & STDs, online polls & quizzes, Hothouse (an e-zine for and by teens), an advice column you can submit your own questions to, and a clickable map that helps you locate the nearest Planned Parenthood Clinic. A particularly nice feature offers global perspectives on sex, dating, and love.

Puberty 101
This site uses a question-and-answer format to provide straightforward information on the emotional and physical aspects of puberty. Topics covered include menstruation, male and female physical development, and sexual feelings, among others. Plenty of clear, labeled drawings and the opportunity to post your own questions and receive answers online round out the site.

Romance 101
Though not geared specifically to teens, Romance 101 offers a wealth of information and advice on the dating scene to people of all ages. You'll find both serious and humorous articles on romantic love, online games that you can play ("Valentine Word Word Search" and "Ouija Board of Love," for instance), famous literary and historical love letters, romantic poetry, and much, much more.

Sex Etc. : A Website for Teens by Teens
Stating that "We wanted to give teens a place to go in cyberspace where they could get accurate, up-front information about their sexuality," the teen editors of this site provide straightforward articles on male and female sexuality, birth control, abstinence, STDs, pregnancy, marrying young, and much, much more. You can search for the topic you're interested in by keyword or browse the Sex Etc. Library. You can also post questions & receive answers online or participate in online surveys. Recommended reading lists and links to other webpages focusing on sexuality round out the site.

"Teen Talk" Pamphlets (Among Others) from the Dept. of Health & Human Services
Provided by the Dept. of Health & Human Services through its Office of Population Affairs, this site offers free educational materials on subjects including abstinence, general reproductive health, and contraception. Many of the topics covered are provided in English and Spanish.

TeensHealth: Sexual Health
Geared to younger teens, this web site provides complete information on puberty and the reproductive systems of girls and boys. There's also material on virginity, birth control methods, and sexually transmitted diseases.