Teens Q&As

What’s unsafe about “safe sex?” This message you communicate on this subject is the opposite of everything I’ve ever heard from my teachers at school and other responsible adults. What are your reasons for calling “safe sex” a myth?

What’s the relationship between drugs, alcohol, and teen suicide? What should we do if we suspect that our child might be at risk for any of these behaviors?

How do I put a stop to the sexual relationship in which I’ve become involved with one of my siblings? It’s hard to explain how it came about. I have a feeling that it all began long before I was even aware of what was happening. Now that I’m fully conscious of it, I feel …

What’s the best way for a teen girl to ask a boy out on a date? How do you think I should go about it?

I’m 18, single, and pregnant, but I don’t want to release my baby for adoption. Why should I? I could never give up my child to strangers who might turn out to be weird and abusive. Besides, my parents have already promised to help me (they don’t approve of adoption anyway). I’ve even got a …

How should a teenager respond when his mom and dad seem to have the attitude that he’s always trying to get away with something? I’ve had it with my parents! I’m not a bad kid, but they don’t respect me at all. I can’t do anything or go anywhere without being subjected to a major …

How can I help a friend at high school who told me that she’s started cutting herself. I don’t know why she’s doing it or how to help. What should I do?

What’s so bad about profanity?

As an adopted kid, I can’t help wondering – why did my mom give me up? Why would any mom put her child up for adoption? I’ve been aware of the situation since I was small, and on the whole I’m very happy with my life, but I can’t get away from nagging thoughts and …

One of my best friends at school has been talking about taking her own life. What should I do?

Why do video games feature so many “tough” girls these days? I’m a teen girl who enjoys playing computer and video games, but I don’t think it’s realistic that there’s so many “tough,” heroic girls fighting with guys. I don’t believe that girls will ever be stronger or more powerful than guys in the physical …

How can I get a kid at my school to stop picking on me? He’s constantly harassing me and making my life miserable. Can you tell me what to do about this?

What’s so bad about “Dungeons and Dragons?” My friends and I really enjoy it. We’ve been at it for about a year and a half now. By this time our characters and storyline have become pretty involved and complex. My parents aren’t happy about this. They complain that the game is taking up too much …

My dad left dirty magazines lying around the living room — and I saw the pictures of naked women. Should I ever go back?

I’ve just become a victim of rape. I desperately need help and don’t know where to find it – what should I do now? So far, I haven’t told my parents, and no one else knows. I’m ashamed to admit it to friends and family, and I’m afraid I’ll only make a bad situation worse …