2008 Woodie Awards
Our View: Teens Show Immaturity Through STD Prevalence
Issue date: 4/3/08 Section: Opinion
In March, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released their findings that one in four teenage girls-from ages 14 to 19-are infected with at least one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, including human papillomavirus (HPV), Chlamydia, herpes simplex virus and trichomoniasis.
As if it isn't disturbing enough that girls are getting STDs by 14, it is even more disturbing to wonder what the treatment rate is among these infected teenage girls. It makes us wonder, does this infected promiscuity translate from high school to college?
At the risk of turning "Our View" into a public service announcement, we cannot stress the importance of being tested, for both men and women. In today's society, where sexuality is much more fast and loose, it is our responsibility as young adults to make sure we are using our proverbial heads when it comes to matters of sex and sexuality.
We also must look at the reasons so many people are becoming infected with these kinds of diseases. Although everyone was raised with different sets of moral values, we seem to be facing a generation of young people whose judgment is truly in the toilet. If we make the decision to be sexually active, we must also be sure we are protecting ourselves and our partner(s).
At the University Health Center, students can bill charges to their insurance company or have the balance placed on their student accounts. All results are confidential and may not be released without consent. Knowing this, would it really hurt to be tested?
As if it isn't disturbing enough that girls are getting STDs by 14, it is even more disturbing to wonder what the treatment rate is among these infected teenage girls. It makes us wonder, does this infected promiscuity translate from high school to college?
At the risk of turning "Our View" into a public service announcement, we cannot stress the importance of being tested, for both men and women. In today's society, where sexuality is much more fast and loose, it is our responsibility as young adults to make sure we are using our proverbial heads when it comes to matters of sex and sexuality.
We also must look at the reasons so many people are becoming infected with these kinds of diseases. Although everyone was raised with different sets of moral values, we seem to be facing a generation of young people whose judgment is truly in the toilet. If we make the decision to be sexually active, we must also be sure we are protecting ourselves and our partner(s).
At the University Health Center, students can bill charges to their insurance company or have the balance placed on their student accounts. All results are confidential and may not be released without consent. Knowing this, would it really hurt to be tested?
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