Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of moderating Teen Summit 2008 at Word and Worship church in Jackson.
Members of the churches youth groups, Goodfellas and Sweethearts, got to discuss sex and STDs, drugs and alcohol, self-image and self-esteem, and relationships with an expert panel.
Youth at Word and Worship
Parents weighed in too and talked about their concerns about some of the dangerous and risky decisions kids take. One mom, Leigh-ann, was very vocal about how her decisions as a teenager led to her unplanned pregnancy.
Among the panelists were teenagers at the church and my gynecologist, Dr. Lisa Gibson-McKee.
She was especially insightful when discussing STDs like HPV and HIV, even the physical and emotional toll abortion can have on women.
Gibson-McKee was also very vocal on how a lot of parents don't know their children are sexually active, but it's imperative parents have those frank discussions even thought it can be weird and uncomfortable.
But clearly with the alarming statistics the CDC released about 1 in 4 American girls having an STD, it indicates teenagers ARE sexually active.
A member of the Sweethearts ministry and Dr. Lisa Gibson-McKee
The most insightful aspect for me was teenagers' perspectives on "dating." Actually, they're not dating like their grandparents did in the 30's, 40's and 50's. They ARE getting into relationships with defined "boyfriends" and "girlfriends," but are not limiting their options. One girl said she could have a boyfriend AND keep other male friends and guys she would talk to so that she wouldn't "get her heart broken."
I can remember from my early teenage years how painful breakups could be, so her argument made some sense.
Other members of the panel
But I was most concerned about how this outlook on relationships would affect their thoughts on marriage. Several kids said they plan to get married or "swept off their feet." Others admitted they hadn't seen many "happy marriages" in their families so they're sure if marriage is for them.
Overall, Teen Summit 2008 was very lively and insightful. Word and Worship plans to upload some video portions on its website in the future.
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