Choices

"Choices" is a guide for young people growing up in the Caribbean today. It provides them with accurate information about themselves and their bodies so that they can make informed decisions about their future. It focuses on happy, healthy and safe relationships, marriage and having children. This edition has new sections on the implications for young people of violence in the community, as well as on the risks involved in teenage sexual activity, social networking, and the use of cellphones. With the emphasis throughout on how to keep young people safe, this book covers ways to prevent STIs including HIV, the support, care and treatment for people with HIV, and the need to reduce stigma and discrimination. It promotes abstinence as the safest choice for young people, but acknowledges that they will grow up and at some point become sexually active. Equipping young people with accurate knowledge and positive values at an early age has been shown by research to delay sexual activity. "Choices" is aimed at young people, peer educators, teachers, health workers and parents. It will be particularly useful for teachers and students following Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) courses based on national syllabuses or the CARICOM Curriculum Framework for Grades 7 and above. "Choices" is written in a friendly, straightforward style with lively illustrations throughout. It will be invaluable to anyone helping young people to grow up as fulfilled, caring and responsible members of families and communities.