Pacoima : Preteens Learn to Just Say No to Sex

What should you do if someone is pressuring you to have sex?

At Montague Elementary School, fifth- and sixth-graders are taught three things: First, say no. Then, reverse the pressure. And if all else fails, walk away.

Through role-playing and frank discussion, parts of a teen-pregnancy prevention program taught by the Northeast Valley Health Corp., kids learned how to refuse sex.

“If you really cared about me, you’d show me that you love me by letting me touch you,” said Leandro Alejo, 12, acting the part of Mike, who wants to have sex.

“Well, if you really cared about me, you would wait,” answered Annette Sanchez, 12, in her role as Cheryl.

The class, titled “Postponing Sexual Involvement,” was developed after a study by the California Department of Health Services found that the northeast Valley has one of the county’s highest rates for births to girls under 16. Although 11- and 12-year-olds might seem too young to be talking about sex, program coordinator Rebecca Pastrana said it’s important that they are prepared before they begin high school.

“This is not a sex-education class, Pastrana said. “It’s about how to say no. Once the parents and teachers realize that, they are all for it.”

In five one-hour sessions, the class discusses why teens have sex, why they should wait, how their lives would change if they had a baby and how much it would cost. Building self-confidence in the children, Pastrana reminds them: “If you’re not ready, you’re not alone.”

After the class, Richard Pacheco, 12, talked about the assertiveness techniques he had just learned. “This is good because it’s getting us prepared,” Richard said. “The best time to have sex is after you get married.”

Next month, Pastrana plans to take the program to other elementary schools, including Haddad Street and Telfair Elementary.