Youth attitudes and perspectives on HIV infection and AIDS

Conclusions

As an adolescent, I am concerned that as a society we are not doing enough to curb the spread of HIV infection and AIDS, particularly in those of my age-group. Current school curriculum on sex education is ineffective and inappropriate. The focus of educational programs must change from increasing knowledge to changing attitudes and behavior. Such education must begin early in the lives of children, perhaps as early as in the latter part of elementary school. Parents should be aware that it is their responsibility not only to teach their children about the dangers of engaging in behaviors that are high risk for infecting HIV but also that they themselves should not engage in behaviors that they do not wish their children to imitate, often with deadly consequences.