By Diane L. Bailey, Ph.D.

Misinformation about sex is dangerous for everyone, but especially so for teenagers. As they mature and begin to think about their own sexuality, they come to a crossroads: Will they make wise, informed decisions about their own safety and future, or will they make choices that could lead them to an unwanted pregnancy, an illness, or worse?

Crossroads is a mega-popular game that helps teens explore and talk about sexuality in a fun, non-threatening way. They are able to learn about the risks of unprotected sex, and understand why peer pressure and expectations are the wrong reasons to have sex.

Additionally, teens explore their own sense of self-worth, with a focus on goal setting, future plans, self-esteem, honesty, and self control. This emphasis on personal positives and long-term goal setting helps teens realize that sex is important to their emotional, mental, and physical health and should be reserved until they are able to make educated choices about it.

Counselors and teachers use this game to help their students to:

• Think through important decisions
  
• Talk about HIV/AIDs
  
• Learn the importance of open communication
  
• Explore how self-respect relates to sexuality
  
• Learn about the threat of sexually transmitted diseases
  
• Better understand the realities of teen pregnancy
  
• Weigh the benefits of abstinence and education
  
• Determine far-reaching goals and make choices accordingly