Am I Ready? Making Healthy Sexual Decisions

 Reviews 

Highly Recommended   The politics of sex education for teens is tricky, but kids need reliable and realistic information. They also need that information to address their psychosocial concerns in a non-patronizing and non-preachy fashion. This short film, narrated by pleasant, savvy young people with adult experts (from such reputable organization as HiTOPS Inc. in Princeton, NJ) providing additional perspective, fits the bill very well. Am I Ready is well-organized along a series of questions – e.g., Why am I thinking about sex? or What are my sexual values? Like other Human Relations Media films, this one contains a nice mix of live action, interviews and graphics in a way that keeps the viewer’s interest. Finally, while the overall message of the film is for teens to delay sex until they’re older and can be certain they’re not having sex for the wrong reasons, it also provides basic information about protecting themselves from STIs and pregnancy should they decide to go ahead. This DVD should be a part of any teen health collection in a library, school or clinical setting. 

- Kay Hogan Smith, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences 

Educational Media Reviews Online (EMRO)

Highly Recommended  This straightforward program asks teens to consider important questions before having sex: Why do you want to? What are your sexual values and does your partner share them? How will you protect yourself from unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? Speaking conversationally in a studio setting and over brief scenes of school or dating situations, individual teenagers talk about their personal experiences and points of view, with their comments occasionally reinforced by health educators and title screens presenting “Facts” (statistics) and “Myths.” Peer pressure, media messages, and fear of displeasing a boyfriend or girlfriend are listed as poor reasons for becoming sexually active, and the importance of communication is emphasized—including being able to talk about subjects such as the future of a relationship, birth control, and Sis. For those who are sexually active, the program provides a quick overview of birth control methods and explains that STI transmission can occur through vaginal, anal, or oral sex (teens are urged to get tested for STIs and to always use condoms.) The DVD includes a PDF teacher’s guide with comprehensive summary, learning objectives, suggested classroom activities, and fact sheets. 

M. Puffer-Rothenberg
Video Librarian