'Today's Family: The New ABC’s of Sexuality' to air December 10 on WROC-TV News 8 Now

Sexuality is a health issue that is common to every human being. From birth until death, we deal with understanding sexuality and our drive to reproduce. Yet how often do we talk about this life-long concern with our children? As a parent, how do you talk about healthy sexuality with your child?

A recent medical study indicates that 80% of people will have sex between the ages of 13 and 19. Experts say that these results show the need to have conversations with our children about sexuality.

"Today’s Family: The New ABC’s of Sexuality," is a television program premiering December 10 on WROC-TV News 8 Now at 8:00 p.m. The one-hour program explores what sexuality means to youth today, some of the outcomes of being sexually active at a young age, and how parents can engage in conversations with their children to encourage sexual responsibility.

Hosted by WROC-TV News 8 Now anchors Kevin Doran and Maureen McGuire, with reporting by Melissa Long, the program features interviews with local experts on the sexual environment youth face today and how they are handling sexual influences from sources such as religion, government, education, family members, and the media. Through the stories of Rochester-area students and families from a variety of backgrounds, the program also provides insight into what teenagers think about sexuality and the "hyper-sexual" world to which they are exposed today.

"Talking with your kids about sexuality may be one of the most important and challenging aspects of parenting," says Dennis Richardson, president and CEO of Hillside Family of Agencies, a co- producer of the program. "Instilling values and teaching your kids to make responsible choices is an ongoing process that begins at a very young age."

An on-line chat hosted at www.hillside.com will begin at 9 p.m. on December 10, immediately following the broadcast. The chat will allow viewers to anonymously engage in a dialogue with program guests and experts and offer questions and concerns directly. Panelists for the chat will include Rick Bartell, regional director for education and outreach at Planned Parenthood; Joanne Davis, clinical mentor at Hillside Children’s Center; and Rachel Phelps, M.D., a clinician at Planned Parenthood. The chatroom can be accessed directly from the Hillside website at www.hillside.com.

"The New ABC’s of Sexuality" is co-produced by Hillside Family of Agencies and WROC-TV News 8 Now and sponsored by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Rochester Region. It is the fifth program in the award-winning "Today's Family" series, developed to increase awareness and understanding about critical issues affecting New York State families. Past shows dealt with teen suicide, domestic violence, youth substance abuse, and stress.

Hillside Family of Agencies provides youth development, mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, developmental disabilities, and special education services to children and families throughout Western and Central New York.