Straight Talk About Sexual Health: Choices & Consequences

Oh, those confusing teen years, when everything--especially your own body--becomes frighteningly unfamiliar and unpredictable. Serving as a map to help guide adolescents through the murky terrain of teen sexuality, Straight Talk About Sexual Health: Choices & Consequences presents a framing device featuring two young hosts, Lisa and Jason, who take calls, letters and emails from teen viewers. After a basic overview of the adolescent changes in male and female reproductive anatomy, the pair turn to the main topic: the responsibilities of having relationships. However, instead of simply rolling out the usual scary litany of negative consequences from early sexual relationships (STDs, pregnancy, AIDS, etc.), the program acknowledges that much adolescent confusion stems from changing feelings towards their peers. The ensuing discussion follows a smooth, logical progression covering the importance of platonic friendships with the opposite sex, the nitty-gritty of asking a girl out, and the importance of thinking ahead about boundaries--before situations arise. Ultimately, the program assures teen viewers that while their feelings are normal, they don't necessarily require action. Although the word abstinence is never actually used, it's presented as a valid, positive option without being heavy-handed. Given the solid content, it's a shame that the production values are lacking: the editing is very slow and the set is visually awkward. Overall, however, this would serve as a decent complement to more polished productions such as Teen Relationships & Sexual Pressure (VL-3/02) and Sex: Everyone's Doing It--Not! (VL-11/01). A strong optional purchase. Aud: J, H. (E. Gieschen)