When should you talk to kids about HIV/AIDS?

When should you talk to kids about HIV/AIDS?

It is up to you as an adult to gauge what facts kids will be able to understand about HIV/AIDS, and what kind of information they need to know.

Keep in mind that several “little talks” will be more effective than just one “big talk.” It’s also important to remember that kids of all ages can benefit from conversations about healthy relationships and the importance of self-respect. The following information from Talking to Kids about HIV/AIDS is meant as a guideline about what to tell kids, and when.

In terms of HIV/AIDS information, most pre-schoolers are too young for in-depth discussions about viruses and disease, but you can encourage them to ask questions if they hear something from friends or on TV.

Children at this stage are starting to understand more about the world and their place in it. They may have questions or fears about illnesses and diseases. They may also have heard about HIV/AIDS, but may not understand what it is and how it’s transmitted. Explain it to them in simple terms, and don’t get too technical. You can explain what the acronyms “HIV” and “AIDS” mean. And you may want to tell them that HIV is a germ in some people’s blood that can make them sick over time. Let them know that it’s not like a cold, though – they will need to understand that HIV is not that easy to catch.

Pre-teens are becoming more concerned about their bodies and their looks. They may not talk as openly about their concerns with you, but it’s important to be available to talk. You should talk to them about sexuality, sexual orientation, sexual activities, how HIV is spread, and how they can protect themselves from HIV as well as other sexually transmitted infections. They need information about alcohol and drug use too, so that they can make healthy decisions.