Two weeks ago, we noted that adolescents want their parents to talk more with them about sex, as revealed in a Kaiser Family Foundation study, and that television is a primary alternative source of sexual information. A major problem with that is revealed in another Kaiser study done earlier this year: TV typically shows sexual pleasure but not sexual responsibility.
In analyzing over 1,300 shows of every type, Kaiser’s researchers found that over 90% of the shows with sexual content did not mention risks or ramifications. Over half of all shows and two-thirds of prime-time shows had sexual content, but only 9% included any references to abstinence, safer sex, or contraception. In 88 scenes involving sexual intercourse itself, none made reference to sexual risk — none!
The conservative elements criticize sex and HIV education in the public schools, with the result that local schools are doing only the minimum required of them, and that’s inadequate. But let’s face it: Young people are going to get information from somewhere. Where would parents prefer they get it, since parents demonstrably are not providing it themselves? From unbalanced television or from responsible educators? The choice seems clear to us.
— Sandy Bartlett, Community Information/Education Coordinator
AIDS Services of Austin
ASA Info Line: 458-AIDS
E-mail: ASA@fc.net
This article appears in May 14 • 1999 and May 14 • 1999 (Cover).