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TV Sex Talk
by Allison Bloom, 04.08.03
"Lovers come and go but friends will always be there." |
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On the season premiere of Dawson's Creek, you were probably holding your breath as Dawson and Joey decided if they should go all the way. When it comes to love and sex, TV teens deal with a lot of the same issues that real-life teens do. And today, they talk more openly about their sexual choices than ever before.
According to a Kaiser Family Foundation study, 64 percent of all TV shows contain sexual content, and 15 percent of those shows discuss safer sex issues. That's nearly double the rate from four years ago. But if 15 percent are talking about safer sex, then 85 percent aren't. So, how responsible is prime-time television when it comes to discussing sex? Here's a sampling of shows and our thoughts on the characters' choices. What do you think?
That 70's Show
Eric and Donna fell in love. Donna went on the Pill, and they waited until they were both ready to have sex. After a disappointing first time, Eric and Donna realized that they needed to communicate their likes and dislikes to each other. This led to a stronger bond and an improved sexual relationship — and, the happy couple recently got engaged!
Our Advice to Eric and Donna
"Waiting until you were both ready to have sex was an extremely mature decision," says Micki, 17.
Using birth control was also a smart move, helping to protect against pregnancy. But remember, the Pill doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections — latex and female condoms do.
Dawson's Creek
Jack came out toward the end of high school to his friends and father. After some awkward dating experiences with other guys, Jack entered a long-term relationship with Tobey. In college, Jack joined a fraternity and started dating David. They were tested for HIV and discussed their sexual histories before having sex with each other. Recently, Jack agreed to marry his roommate, Emma, so that she could obtain a green card.
Our Advice to Jack:
As one of the only "out" gay students in Capeside, you had to deal with discrimination from your peers and the disappointment of your father. But you were also lucky to have a close friend like Jen standing by as you came to terms with your sexual orientation. You've met a great guy who's concerned about both of you staying sexually healthy — he insists on getting tested for HIV and using condoms.
"Marrying Emma, however, will only complicate your relationship with David," says Barrie, 17. You refused to live a lie when it was about being sexually attracted to men, so why start lying now?
Just Deal
When Ashley Gordon — the free-spirited new girl from San Francisco — moved to Beachwood, Ohio, she met Dylan Roberts, a conservative, Catholic, soccer player. This unlikely duo eventually fell in love.
After a sex-ed class in school sent students home with condoms, Ash and Dylan were forced to have the "should-we-or-shouldn't-we" talk. A strong believer in abstinence, Dylan explained to Ash that he wanted to wait until he was married to have sexual intercourse. Ashley was frustrated at first, but learned to accept Dylan's choice.
Our Advice to Ashley:
"You've both listened to one another, and this shows that you're truly in love," says Jessica, 18.
You should be proud of yourselves for admitting to each other that you feel differently about sex. The important thing is that you haven't pressured each other into doing something that the other person doesn't feel comfortable with. Respecting each other's choices will improve and strengthen your relationship.
One on One
When 14-year-old Breanna moved in with her single dad, Mark "Flex" Washington, she had to learn to find balance between her father's bachelor lifestyle and her own dating issues.
When Flex found condoms in Breanna's room, he decided to confront her about the "birds and the bees." Breanna agreed to be responsible and wait until she was ready to have sexual intercourse, but she criticized Flex for his reckless behavior. Breanna and Flex's girlfriend, Natalie, helped convince him to get an HIV test and act more responsibly. Her father's new attitude rubbed off on Breanna, helping her to be more open in her own romantic relationships. Breanna and her new boyfriend, Josh, have been very happy together, but lately Breanna has been neglecting her friends.
Our Advice to Breanna:
Living with one single parent can be tough, especially when a dad is dating. But your open communication with Flex has helped make him a stronger, more responsible parent who makes better choices in his own sexual relationships. And you've benefited from Flex's advice and life experiences.
Spending all your time with your boyfriend, however, isn't the best idea. Try to include Josh in activities with your friends, and set aside some one-on-one time with your girlfriends. "Lovers come and go but friends will always be there," says Kyle, 16.
Prime time still has a lot of ground to cover, but if That 70's Show, Dawson's Creek, Just Deal, and One on One are any indication, our favorite TV teens are well on their way to healthy and responsible futures. |
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