Teenagers and Sex

Here's a typical PSI scenario, acted out by trained peer leaders - older teens - for an audience of seventh-graders. The teacher supervises from the back of the room.

Against a background of romantic music, a boy and a girl are sitting together on a couch, watching a movie on TV. His arm is around her. He's caressing her shoulder.

HE: We've been goin' out a while now, right?
SHE:About six months, baby.
HE: And we love each other, don't we?
SHE: Sure do, baby.
HE: (moving closer) Well, I think it's time we took the next step.
SHE: You mean sex? I'm not ready.
HE:But you said you love me.
SHE: You're talking about sex, not love.
HE: You're just worried what other people will say.
SHE: If I wanted to do it, I wouldn't be arguing with you about it.
HE: But everybody's doin' it.
SHE: I'm not everybody. Besides, everybody's not doin' it!
HE: But a man has needs!
SHE: (looking him dead-on): What you need to do is respect me. When I say no, I mean no! And if you can't accept that, I'm leaving.

She gets up and marches out to applause, giggles, and encouraging shouts from the audience. Students then critique the performance and discuss the underlying issues.

More on: Talking About Sex with Teens