The Guys Understanding Youth Sexuality (GUYS) program is a unique model in pregnancy prevention. For too long, much of teen pregnancy prevention has focused heavily on girls, while either absolving boys of responsibility or seemingly blaming them for their sexual impulses. GUYS challenges boys in junior high and high school to re-examine the norms about males and sex in today's culture. Through classroom education and small groups, the program leads boys through a critical evaluation of the media messages they see and hear, of the perceived pressure associated with sex, and deals honestly and openly with their questions.
Most importantly, GUYS is structured so that boys can re-evaluate their perceptions of woman and the opposite sex. Male-female relationships can and should be much more than "hooking up", "scoring", or "getting lucky", even for hormone-riddled young men. GUYS challenges these young males to return to notions of respect, honor, and chivalry towards the women and girls in their lives. Seeing a member of the opposite sex as a person with intelligence, character, virtue, and value helps these guys mature more quickly in their outlook on sex.
Program data shows substantial improvement in a participant's ability to resist sexual impulses in both short-term and long-term relationships, increased awareness of sexually transmitted infections, and seeing girls as equals instead of sexual conquests. To learn more, contact Kristoffer Taylor, Prevention Specialist II at (618) 937-6483, extension 6159.
