Reducing Adolescent Sexual Risk: A Theoretical - ETR Associates

Activity 6-1Conducting In-Class Surveys toChange Perceptions of Peer NormsDescription of ActivityObjectives: Students will be able to:Recognize that their peers believe that not having sex or using protection if having sex is the bestoption for themselvesRisk and Protective Factors Affected:Perception of peer norms about having sex or using condoms or other forms of contraceptionActivity:Students vote anonymously for what choice is the best for themselves: not to have sexualintercourse at that time; to have sexual intercourse and always use protection against pregnancyand STDs; or to have unprotected sexual intercourse. The anonymity of the voting can bemaintained by having students go individually to a corner of the room, selecting one of threecolored chips and placing them in a container. After everyone has voted, the votes are read outloud one at a time and tallied on a bar graph at the front of the room. After all votes are tallied,the educator summarizes the results and makes a statement about what the students in the roombelieve are the best choices for themselves.Important Considerations in Using ItThis activity should be completed near the end of the unit when students are less likely to choosehaving unprotected sexual intercourse as the best option for themselves. In addition, it should onlybe completed in classes where few students will choose having unprotected sexual intercourseas the best option for themselves. If many students do vote for unprotected sexual intercourse,then reasons why they might have done this should be discussed and the importance of avoidingunprotected sex should be emphasized.References for Lessons That Describe a Similar Activity More Fully1. Safer Choices, Level 2, Class 10: Making a Commitment82 Reducing Adolescent Sexual Risk: A Theoretical Guide for Developing and Adapting Curriculum-Based Programs