Stronger Families for California Act: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What will the Stronger Families for California Act do? A: The Stronger Families for California Act will direct money to a California state agency to conduct a statewide public education campaign to encourage parents to talk with their teens early and often about sex and sexual health. Q: How will the Stronger Families for California Act prevent teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? A: Strong family communication is proven to prevent teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In a 2006 survey, teens cited parents as their most important influence when it comes to decisions regarding sex and sexual health. Ninety-three percent of Californians believe that parents should talk with their teens about sex. Q: What exactly will the public education campaign look like? A: The state agency conducting the campaign will work with a research firm to determine the best public education strategies which could include, but are not limited to: billboards, bus advertisements, television commercials, radio public service announcements, or posters in local businesses. The campaign will provide tips and additional resources for parents to talk with their teens early and often about sex and sexual health. Q: Why should state taxpayer dollars be spent on this program? A: This public education campaign, which proved highly successful when piloted in San Mateo County, will effectively increase family communication. As an essential component of teen pregnancy and STI prevention, family communication will help California continue to reduce teen pregnancy rates. By effectively reducing costly teen pregnancy, taxpayer money will be freed up for other vital programs. Q: Will the public education campaign be relevant for all of California’s communities? A: Yes. The state agency and research firm conducting the campaign will work closely with community organizations statewide to ensure that all public education messages and materials are culturally-competent and linguistically-appropriate. Q: Propositions 73 and 85 tried to mandate family communication and were defeated by voters. How is this Act different? A: The government cannot mandate family communication, but studies show that open lines of communication within families are an important component in preventing teen pregnancy. Unlike Propositions 73 and 85, the Stronger Families for California Act does not force families to communicate. Rather, it gives families the tools needed to have open, honest conversations about sex and sexual health, creating stronger families in California. Q: Where will the public education campaign take place? A: The Stronger Families for California Act calls for a statewide public education campaign. The state agency and research firm, in consultation with issue experts, will tailor the campaign to California’s diverse communities—especially those which face health disparities and barriers to healthcare access. Q: I want to talk with my teens about sex, but I do not feel very comfortable about having the conversation. How will the Stronger Families for California Act help? A: A 2006 survey found that only fifty percent of Californians feel comfortable talking with their teens about sex and birth control, so you are not alone. The public education campaign would provide a series of tips and strategies for opening the lines of communication between parents and teens. Q: California already has sex education in schools, so why is this Act necessary? A: California’s teen pregnancy rate has dropped fifty percent over ten years due to accurate sex education and access to birth control. Family communication, which is the focus of the public education campaign, is an essential third component of teen pregnancy and STI prevention. However, fifty percent of parents report a low level of comfort when talking with their teens about sex and sexual health. The campaign will give families the tools they need to have those often difficult conversations with their teens. Q: I want to talk to my teens with my values in mind. Will the public education campaign reflect my values? A: Yes. The campaign will provide families tips and tools to communicate so parents will be able to have effective conversations about sex and sexual health. The campaign will focus on strategies for opening and maintaining the lines of communication so parents can talk to their teens about their family’s values and expectations regarding sex. Q: I have talked with my teens about our family’s values regarding sex and responsible behavior, so why is this Act necessary? A: Many families do have open lines of communication regarding sex and sexual health. However, there are a significant number of parents who feel uncomfortable talking with their teens about sex, or underestimate their impact on their teens’ decision making. The Stronger Families for California Act will give those parents the right tools to talk openly and honestly with their teens about their family’s values regarding sex and responsible behavior. Q: Who is sponsoring the Stronger Families for California Act? A: The Stronger Families for California Act is sponsored by NARAL Pro-Choice California and California Latinas for Reproductive Justice—organizations dedicated to preventing teen pregnancy and STIs, particularly in communities that experience health disparities and barriers to healthcare access. Q: What can I do to support the Stronger Families for California Act and ensure that it passes? A: There are many ways to support the legislation and ensure its success. You can call your Senator or Assemblymember and ask them to support the bill. You can volunteer with NARAL Pro-Choice California to help us gather more support for the bill. You can also sign up for our Choice Action Network (CAN), which will enable you to receive the latest, most up-to-date information on the bill’s progress.
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