Why Early Health Education Matters for Young People

As students prepare to return to school, families are thinking about new schedules, supplies, and routines. It is also a good time to begin conversations about healthy relationships, personal boundaries, and women’s health. 

Young people are overwhelmed with messages about relationships and health from friends, social media, and many other sources. Unfortunately, that information is not always accurate or helpful. In Yakima County, these challenges can be especially pressing. Yakima County reports significantly higher rates of sexually transmitted infections compared to state and national averages.  According to the 2023 Washington Healthy Youth Survey, 36.5% of Yakima County 12th graders have had sexual intercourse. Additionally, 16.7% of local high schoolers reported unwanted sexual contact, and 16.5% reported forced sexual contact. These numbers highlight why early; reliable information is so important for our youth. Talking about these topics early gives parents and caregivers an opportunity to share accurate information and reinforce the values they want their children to carry with them.  

These conversations do not have to happen all at once. Small, age-appropriate discussions can help young people feel more comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance when they face difficult situations. Parents and caregivers can begin by listening without judgment, asking open-ended questions, and reminding young people that their choices, health, and future matter. In a community where poverty rates (16.1% overall and 21.4% for children under 18), youth unemployment, and family instability are higher than state and national averages, these supportive conversations can make a meaningful difference. 

Through their Think Twice Healthy Relationships Program, Life Choices Yakima helps young people learn about healthy relationships, personal worth, boundaries, and responsible decision-making. The program emphasizes the importance of trusted adults, setting boundaries, goal-setting, and informed consent. The goal is to provide education and encouragement before a young person faces a crisis or feels unsure of where to turn. 

Early and appropriate health education helps young people recognize their value and make informed decisions with confidence. By starting these conversations now, families can build trust that lasts well beyond the beginning of the school year—and help our local youth challenge the higher rates of risk behaviors seen in our community.