Professionals

Talking sex like it’s your job.

Okay, maybe it’s not your whole job. As a professional who works with young people, though (hey, teachers, pediatricians, and youth pastors!), sex is a topic you’ll likely have to navigate.

Don’t know where to start? Our free Sexual Health Resource Guide is a great resource to get the conversation going with adolescents in your life.

Download the Guide

Resources for Professionals

At honestly, we support the adults (you!) who support youth in making safe and healthy decisions. To help with this, our partners have assembled all the tools you need when questions come up.

Let’s Have Open, Honest Conversations

Start the conversation with these helpful tips and suggestions.

Create a Safe Zone

Keeping the conversation private is key. Let the adolescent know that this is a judgment-free space and that their questions are welcome and confidential. Your goal is to be an approachable, trustworthy source, not an authority figure to be feared.

Listen More, Talk Less

Often, adolescents just need safe spaces to process their thoughts out loud. Ask open-ended questions (like “What have you heard about that?” and “How do you feel about…”), and then actively listen instead of immediately lecturing. This helps to build their trust and encourages them to open up.

Normalize Curiosity

Reassure them that it’s completely normal and healthy to have questions about sex, relationships, and their bodies. Simple phrases like “That’s a great question,” or “A lot of people wonder about that,” can help to reduce shame and show them that they aren’t alone in their curiosity.

Stick to the Facts

Use medically accurate, inclusive language and provide answers with factual information. It’s perfectly okay—and even powerful—to say, “I don’t know the answer to that, but I can help you find out.”