Straight Talk program addresses topic of sex

April 24, 2016 at 12:05a.m.

WARREN

The organization is called Teen Straight Talk, and straight talk is what the young people who attended the group’s fourth annual Strengthening the Family Conference got, especially about sex.

“I apologize to you for this crazy world we brought you into,” said Mary Duke to the many young people in the audience of 150 at DiVieste Banquet Hall. Duke founded the Christian-based organization with her late husband, Roland, in 1989. Her goal: “Teach them to make the best moral choices so you don’t get negative consequences.”

That is difficult to do when “there is so much misinformation out there,” said guest speaker, Dr. Margaret Meeker, a pediatrician and published author. Meeker did not shy away from any of the questions the young people submitted, the majority of which dealt with sex.

“I’m going to be graphic because that’s what doctors do,” said Meeker, who was true to her word on subjects ranging from promiscuity, sexually transmitted diseases and sexting on social media.

“You need to understand that sex is so dangerous, you need shots for it,” said Meeker, referring to human papilloma virus described by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control as “the most commonly transmitted sexual disease in the United States.” She recommended inoculations, but warned that there are numerous types of HPV that the vaccines cannot counter.

“If you’ve had two or three partners, you’ve probably got something,” Meeker said. “Kids need to know there’s danger out there.” She cited a statement from actor Michael Douglas who attributed his throat cancer to HPV from oral sexual activity.

“HPV affects boys as well as girls,” she said.

Decisions to post nude pictures in text messages or have sex at a young age usually stem from a lack of self-worth, according to Meeker.

“Forty percent of girls ages 14-17 have sex with a guy because they’re afraid he’s going to walk,” Meeker said. “Any boy who is using that argument doesn’t value you [and] if that’s the case, maybe you’re hanging around with the wrong guys.”

It is very rare that good things result from high-school relationships, according to Meeker, who suggested that young people troubled by all of these issues “find a friend and help each other.”

Her words seemed to resonate with the young people in the conference.

“She didn’t sugarcoat anything,” said Aaron Williamson , 17, of Warren. “A lot of people need to hear this, especially teenagers in this day and age.”

“I didn’t know there were so many diseases,” said MacKenzie Bledsoe, 14, of Youngstown.

“Most people beat around the bush, but [the] talk about STDs was really detailed,” said Christian Carr, 18, of Warren. “They’ve told us to spread the word.”

The doctor did not hesitate to point fingers at parents. “Every single one of us messes our kids up,” she said. Another object of Meeker’s criticism: other medical professionals who argue that young people are going to have sex regardless of information or consequences.

“There are doctors who don’t believe teens can control themselves,” she said. “They’re wrong.

“Enjoy your sexuality, but protect it.”