LANCASTER – Local parents and their teens are invited to a free workshop this Saturday to encourage parent/teen discussions on healthy relationships, dating practices and sexual responsibility.
Sponsored by the Youth Support Association’s Teen Talk Program, the workshop with take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1, at the AV YMCA, located at 43001 10th Street West in Lancaster.
During the three-hour presentation, teenagers will learn:
- Facts on teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases,
- Why to abstain from sexual activity,
- Consequences of teen pregnancy,
- Goal setting and decision making, and
- Overall teen health.
The event will also feature prizes and giveaways; and attendees will be served a lunch of pizza, salad and drinks.
“The workshop is so important because the Antelope Valley is number two in teen pregnancy in Los Angeles County and number one in the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia,” stated Project Director Deborah Shelton. “This is a health and safety issue for teens and their families that is completely preventable with education and awareness. Not only do unplanned teen pregnancies derail lives and postpone futures, but it can lead to a generational cycle that costs 10.1 billion dollars a year in our country. Babies born to teen parents are at higher risk for developmental delays, accidental injury, abuse, and delinquent behavior during their adolescent years.”
For more information on this workshop, contact Deborah Shelton at 949-8662. The workshop is free through the Partners for Families grant.
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