<p>The best defense starts with the family. This is where parents need to step up to the plate and discuss these issues with your kids. If you set the expectations and communicate the risk I believe that goes along way to setting the right standard of behavior. The one thing that I think needs to be stressed is the failure rate of commonly used birth control. The failure rate is significantly higher among younger inexperienced teenagers. And then there is the risk of sexually transmitted diseases which are on the rise. In our house, all of the facts are on the table, the expectation is set and the rest is up to my young adults to make their decisions. They do know that they will take responsibility for their actions and we will be there if they need us. If they decide to enter into an intimate relationship, there are many factors that need to be considered and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. I urge all parents to initiate this conversation before your kids hear it from someone else. The best place to do it is on a long car ride with just the two of you in the car.</p>