Don’t Get Stuffed with Misinformation

WRITTEN BY JADE SISLER

With Thanksgiving around the corner, many of us are looking forward to gathering around the table for food, family and tradition. But along with stuffing and mashed potatoes being passed around, some of us get passed something that is not quite as delicious: misinformation about sex, bodies and healthy relationships. These myths get “stuffed” into conversations between peers, media and family beliefs, which can be extremely hard to sort out.

The good news? Just like leaving room for pumpkin or apple pie, we can leave room for healthier, fact-based conversations. In this article, we’ll baste some real facts onto common myths about sexual health, offer tips for navigating tricky dinner table questions and share resources to rely on all year.

The first plate is being passed. Let's dig into some myths.

Myth #1: “Talking about sex will just encourage kids to do it.”

Fact: Research shows quite the opposite. Youth who received honest, age-appropriate sexual education actually had a delayed exposure to sexual activity, all while making safer choices. Open conversations build trust, not risk.

Myth #2: “Consent only counts in sexual situations.”

Fact: Consent lasts year-round. From hugging relatives to embarrassing dinner table questions all the way to sexual relationships. Consent teaches boundaries in all relationships, not just romantic ones.

Myth #3: “You can’t get pregnant the first time you have sex.”

Fact: After puberty, pregnancy is possible anytime sperm and egg meet; it doesn’t matter if it is your first or 15th time. The only way to prevent a pregnancy is to use reliable birth control.

Myth #4: “STIs only happen to certain people.”

Fact: Anyone who is sexually active can get a sexually transmitted disease at any given moment, regardless of age, gender or background. The best prevention of STI transmission is regular testing, honest conversations and proper use of barrier methods.

Oh no! Grandma’s asking about my love life again.

Here are some of the most helpful and effective ways to avoid the maybe not-sofun conversations at the dinner table:

1. Set the table with respect, not extra silverware. If a sensitive topic arises (such as puberty, relationships or consent), serve a platter of respect. Phrases such as “That’s an interesting point, may I provide a different perspective?” are good ways to keep an open conversation and steer clear of answering out of discomfort.

2. Debone the myths. If you hear misinformation (“Only boys get STIs”), gently debunk it, making sure to steer clear of shaming it. Maybe try, “Actually, I have learned…” This will keep a happy family and correct knowledge.

3. Know when to pack up leftovers. If a conversation gets too heavy or uncomfortable, it’s OK to set it aside. Maybe use the phrase, “This sounds important, however maybe this isn’t the right setting. I would love to talk about this separately.” These are the only leftovers that won’t go rotten.

4. Pass the consent, please. Use everyday examples of consent (such as gently asking for the next plate, or asking permission for dessert) to highlight consent in everyday settings. Daily practice makes perfect.

How to get involved:

Having open-ended, fact-based conversations with youth is one of the most important ways to provide sexual education. This creates room for honest and open questions, which kids may be too scared to ask peers. Sexual knowledge has a large room for error, and it is best to provide the facts, so the myths aren’t being passed around the dinner table.

Education is available 24/7 at Bridgercare.org; stay up to date on the most current and factbased evidence. Bridgercare provides puberty workshops in the fall and spring, which are great resources for debunking the common myths and educating families and teens on fact-based sexual education.

Jade Sisler is an intern at Bridgercare. She is a sophomore at Montana State University studying Cell Biology and Neuroscience. Outside of Bridgercare, she is almost always in the library, somewhere on a mountain, skiing, shopping, staying up-to-date on Pinterest or thrifting.