Reducing Adolescent Sexual Risk: A Theoretical - ETR Associates

Activity 5-4“Dear Abby”Description of ActivityObjectives: Students will be able to:Make responsible decisions about what young people should do in various potential sexualsituationsRisk and Protective Factors Addressed:Values and attitudes about having sex and using condoms or contraceptionActivity:In small groups, students read letters to “Dear Abby” that depict a variety of dilemmas involvingsexual behavior among young people like themselves.In small groups, the students decide what advice they would give the writer of each letter. Typically,they must decide whether the letter writer should have sex and whether the letter writer should usecondoms or contraceptives if she/he does have sex.After all groups have made decisions about what advice to give the letter writers, they share theirletters/scenarios and their advice with the entire class and give their reasons for their advice.References for Lessons That Describe a Similar Activity More Fully1. Making Proud Choices, Module 3, Activity B: Tell It to Tanisha2. It’s Your Game, Grade 8, Lesson 4, Activity II: Talk Show and DiscussionChapter 5 Addressing Attitudes, Values and Beliefs 73