Puberty: What Is Doctor Confidentiality?

Sexual health is an important part of your child’s overall health. Sexual health covers a wide range of areas, including hygiene and protecting one’s self from unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Beyond pregnancy and STD prevention, it’s important for young people to start early in paying attention to their bodies and how they function. Parents can support their children in understanding their bodies and advocating for their sexual health by normalizing sexual health as part of general functioning and wellness, and helping children access sexual health resources as needed.

As a child gets older, their relationship with their health care provider will also change. The health care provider they visit will likely talk more directly with the young person over time, which should be encouraged. The health care provider may ask the parent to step out of the exam room, so that the child has more privacy to ask questions or raise personal issues. If the medical provider does not ask, the child may initiate their own private conversation, which is also valid and encouraged. Parents can also make a point of offering their child private time with their health care provider, if it is not requested. This shows young people that they have the right and opportunity to request privacy with their health care provider in the future.

It can be difficult for parents to support their children’s sexual health, particularly since it involves their growing agency and independence. That said, young people have the right to pursue health care confidentially—to ask questions about what services they provide, whether or not they can be accessed without parental permission, and whether or not their visit and records will be kept confidential. They may also choose to utilize apps that can also assist with sexual health concerns, including period tracking, birth control reminders, or finding accessible health care centers. Parents can be supportive by honoring their children’s privacy, while remaining accessible as a support when needed.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

When parents and caregivers engage in loving and supportive conversations with children about their sexual and reproductive health, it allows children to address their needs in ways that avoid feelings of shame and self-judgment. Bringing up sexual health as a topic, even before any issues surface, can be a useful way to let your child know that you are available for any questions or concerns they may have.

Below are some ways to start conversations on accessing sexual health services: