The Sex Talk You Must Have (Before You Decide to Become Sexually Active)

Gr 7 Up—The premise of this program is that it is important for teens to have open discussions with their partners before they decide to become sexually active. The scenarios presented by student actors in New York City are improvised and unrehearsed—a refreshing approach. In the first vignette, a young woman comes on to her boyfriend, suggesting that they take their romance to the next level. Since she's on the pill, she wants to have sex even without a condom. The young man is worried about sexually transmitted diseases, and they end up arguing. After the narrator's critique of the reasons that encounter did not go well, the actors replay their discussion with a better resolution. Two other scenarios about obtaining and using condoms and parental consent before a teen has sex model the importance of clear and effective communication. The young narrator's delivery is a bit stilted, but the impromptu acting and the grunge-inspired chapter breaks keep the pace interesting and will engage viewers. This program does not present moral imperatives, it just offers advice and a set of skills that will help teens discuss this important issue.—Robin Levin, Fort Washakie School/Community Library, WY