Straight Talk For Teens By Teens

Editor’s Web Note: The biggest sexual revolution since the sixties is taking place right now. We went from the generation of free love to the generation of pan-sexuality. Not that most young people are taking part, but there is enough happening that many parents are paranoid of social factors that could lead their child to “fly to the other tree.” After the panelists express their views (most being incredulous that there is even a fuss about this), I offer a “middle way” for parents to address this topic productively. — Lauren

Editor’s Web Note: This generation is “such good friends” with each other that a lot of parents are flummoxed around sleepovers. Between such friends, co-ed sleepovers and same-sex gay/straight sleepovers are commonly allowed, but from the mail I receive, it’s messing with fire (see my response below). I wish parents would enforce a safer space for their teens. If these teens had to wait until they were on their own to share a bed with a friend whose sexual orientation was pointed toward them, their increased maturity would allow them to better regulate themselves. — Lauren

Editor’s Web Note: Welcome to another straight-shooting smorgasbord of advice from the youth panel. Distinct for their generation is a tectonic shift in changing sexual orientations. Female sexuality is only beginning to be studied rigorously and it is proving to be very fluid compared to male sexuality. I invite you to our archives (column Jan 14, 2009), where we look at a possible social component to such a rapid, widespread change in sexual orientation, particularly among females. — Lauren