Parent-adolescent communication on sexuality issues: A matter to discuss

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical time of development, includingrisk-taking and experimentation. There have beenincreasing trends worldwide for teenage pregnancies,high-risk sexual behaviours, early initiation of sexualactivities in teenage, and a decrease in safe sexualpractices. Effective parent-adolescent communicationis imperative in shaping adolescents’ beliefs andbehaviour about sexual practices. However, there areseveral barriers to this effective communication.Effective parent-adolescent communication on sexualtopics can help reduce negative consequences ofadolescent sexual behaviours. Culture and other socialfactors play a role in parenting practices andcommunication patterns. We review this areaconcerning communication gaps and barriers betweenparent-adolescent communications on sexuality issueswith special reference to the Indian context.