Kids are coming out younger but are their peers/teachers ready?

What should schools/parents be doing as these young teens figure out their sexual identities?

As homosexuality has become more acceptable in society and in pop culture, many kids are coming out at a younger age (some as young as middle school). However their peers and schools are often not as ready to deal with their revelations as they are.

[WAW]

Tell them what you would tell a straight child. Don't rush. Wait until you are old enough to make informed decisions and then, preferably with a person you truly have feelings for. It doesn't always work even for straight children but it is sane advice. Oh, and inform them of the risks involved in unprotected sex. Instill in them respect for themselves and their health. Sex is an expression of one's feelings not a game.

[Al in LA]

Tolerance is the key. We all have prejudices--but, we don't have to act on them. We don't have to love everyone (even though we should). We just need to respect others and treat them with dignity.

[1noteasilyfooled]

WAW wrote:

Tell them what you would tell a straight child. Don't rush. Wait until you are old enough to make informed decisions and then, preferably with a person you truly have feelings for. It doesn't always work even for straight children but it is sane advice. Oh, and inform them of the risks involved in unprotected sex. Instill in them respect for themselves and their health. Sex is an expression of one's feelings not a game.

BINGO.. too bad safe sex messages are NOT in schools anymore.. screw that book thats sits in the pews.