Ignorance Can Hurt
Gail Junion-Metz -- School Library Journal, 10/1/1999
In the April 1999 "Surf For," I listed some of the best sex education Web sites for pre-teens as well as older and sexually active teens (including the controversial "Go Ask Alice!" site). This column lists sites containing authoritative and essential information about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and AIDS for older teens. I've also included one AIDS site that's specifically designed for pre-teens and younger teens. As with all Web sites, it's important that you evaluate the sites listed below to find those that best match the needs of your teen patrons and their parents, as well as your community and library.
www.cdcnpin.org
Gr 9-12, college-an authoritative source of information with tons of links to other good AIDS and STD information. A good place for teens to start researching the topic. Creator: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Don't miss: The "Related Links" section, www.cdcnpin.org/rellinks.htm. It contains color-coded dots to help you locate stuff on specific topics. Optional plug-in: Acrobat reader. Detour: Healthfinder at www.healthfinder.gov, a link to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services consumer health information Web site.
Unspeakable: The Naked Truth About STDs
www.unspeakable.com/std-index.html
Gr 9-12, college-Another great site with lots of facts, plus two interactive quizzes. Creator: Pfizer Pharmaceuticals (no ads). Don't miss: The "Risk Profiler," a quiz estimating your risk of contracting an STD; "Unspeakable," which discusses the issues, pressures, and realities of being sexually active; and the "STD Quiz." Optional plug-in:Shockwave (Shockwave version of the site available).
iwannaknow.org
www.iwannaknow.org
Gr 7-12-A teen-focused site that provides information on sex, sexual health, and STD prevention. Creator: American Social Health Association. Don't miss: "Sex on the Brain," which covers abstinence, peer pressure, and becoming sexually active. The "Game Room," for younger teens. "STDs 101," where teens can learn about STD types and symptoms. Optional plug-in: Shockwave.
KidsHealth.org for Teens
kidshealth.org/teen/index.html
Gr 7-12-A site for teens containing short articles covering diet, stress, peer pressure, sex, AIDS, STDs, and lots more. Creator: Nemours Foundation Center for Children's Health Media. Don't miss: The "Body & Mind" section and its "Body Basics" and "Sex Stuff" subsections. Be sure to visit the "Q&A" section for answers to teen health concerns related to personal appearance and sexuality. For fun, check out the "KidsHealth Horoscopes" for practical teen health advice. Optional plug-in: Shockwave.
What Teens Know and Don't Know (But Should) About STDs
www.amaassn.org/insight/h_focus/adl_hlth/teen/std/teen_std.htm
Gr 9-12, parents, teachers-The published results of a recent national survey of 15- to 17-year-olds about their awareness of and attitudes about STDs. (Survey was co-sponsored by the Kaiser Family Foundation, MTV, and Teen People.) A "must read" for parents and teachers. Creator: American Medical Association. Don't Miss: The "Awareness and Knowledge," "Attitudes Toward STDs," and "Sexual Behavior" sections, which contain information that may shock many parents and teachers but will hopefully prompt them to start talking to teens about sexual behavior and STDs. Optional plug-in: Acrobat reader.
Kids Connect -- Our House
www.kidsconnect.org/kids/main.html
Gr 5-8, parents-A graphic-intensive Web site for pre-teens and younger teens that explains what AIDS is and how it infects the human immune system. Also a place for HIV-positive kids to communicate their story to other kids. Creator: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Don't miss: Tour the house by clicking around and opening doors. Be sure to click on "The Porch,""Meet the HIV," then "Go to the graphic story of HIV," which explains AIDS using an alien invasion analogy and uses kid-friendly illustrationsâ?¦ very cool! Required plug-in: Flash 3.0.
