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  • Worcester Youth Insights

Worcester Youth Tell Adults What They Need:

“Don’t be scared to talk to us & just give us the truth.”

In early 2016, WISH asked Worcester youth during face-to-face group conversations what they needed from adults to help them stay healthy and have healthy relationships. Sixty-one youth of multiple races and ethnicities between the ages of 13-23, from Worcester middle schools, high schools and community-based organizations participated. Half were middle school students. The others included an all-male group, a group of young mothers and a group trained as peer leaders.

  • What do you need more of, to have good relationships and stay healthy?

    • For adults to talk about relationships, sexual health, sex – and be clear and straightforward when giving information–don’t play games
    • Support and advice from both male and female adults
    • Real sex education classes, including current information and speaking about consequences
    • Open, honest, ongoing dialogues in safe places
    • Information about what a healthy relationship ‘looks like’ and about consent
    • Information about birth control, access to condoms, emergency contraception, STI testing
  • Where do you get info about healthy relationships and sexuality?

    • Parents (#1 response)
    • Others (not in order): siblings, other family members, older students, TV, internet, teachers, Google, porn, WebMD
  • How could Worcester, as a community, support the sexual health needs of young people?

    • More programing with a focus on youth
    • Places where youth go already should provide services–like school
    • Get more adults who are able to talk about sexual health
    • Nonjudgmental spaces and services
    • Offer sensitivity training for adults/caregivers – more adults who are able to talk about sexual health
    • Less stigma about accessing health services and resources
    • Access to free condoms and more stores that provide what we need (for protection)
  • What can adults do?

    • Don’t be scared to talk to us
    • Give us the truth – we need more truthful and accurate information
    • Support us, give us advice
    • Know that telling us to ‘just say no’ doesn’t work
    • Talk about it with us without judgment
    • Keep confidentiality – don’t gossip afterwards about us
    • Build trusting relationships
    • Don’t make things awkward.
    • Just support us emotionally and share your experience with us
  • Know the Facts
  • Worcester Youth Insights

WORCESTER’S CAPTAIN CONDOM SAYS: GET YOURSELF TESTED

WORCESTER’S CAPTAIN CONDOM SAYS: GET YOURSELF TESTED

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Latest News & Media

  • WISH YOUTH POSTER CONTEST! Enter now!March 22, 2018 - 11:15 am
  • June 2017 is “Worcester: Impact on Sexual Health Awareness Month” in Worcester!January 11, 2017 - 4:41 pm
  • How to Talk to Your Children About Consent and Sexual AssaultDecember 16, 2016 - 7:01 pm

Latest News & Media

  • WISH YOUTH POSTER CONTEST! Enter now!March 22, 2018 - 11:15 am
  • June 2017 is “Worcester: Impact on Sexual Health Awareness Month” in Worcester!January 11, 2017 - 4:41 pm
  • How to Talk to Your Children About Consent and Sexual AssaultDecember 16, 2016 - 7:01 pm

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