This Chatbot From Planned Parenthood Can Answer Your Teen’s Sex Questions
According admittedly, talking with our children about sex – a task that most parents do not wait. But to be honest, our kids are probably not happy with it either.
We hope to be open enough with our children (especially when they are young) so that as they grow up they feel completely comfortable contacting us with any questions about their bodies, sex and relationships. In fact, however, this is an awkward topic even in the best of circumstances, and we must admit that telling them that we are ready to answer all of their questions does not guarantee that they will be ready to ask them.
This is one of the reasons Planned Parenthood has created an automated chatbot called “Roo” that teens and teens can access from their mobile device to get information about their bodies and sexual health. According to an article in Fast Company, the chatbot provides personal, unbiased answers:
“We know that many young people are nervous or embarrassed to ask questions about their sexual health,” said Dr. Leana Ven, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “They often go online to get information and ask their questions anonymously. It is important that our youth receive a reliable response that can be trusted. … … we are delighted that Roo will be a reliable and affordable resource to get the tailored answers they need. ”
Users can enter their gender (options: female, male, trans male, trans female, nonbinary code and “say your own name”) and should never enter any personal information such as full name, phone number or email address. They can ask their own questions, for example, “What happens during puberty?” or “How can I get over falling in love?” or browse a directory of questions on a variety of topics from body, masturbation and sex, birth control, sexual orientation and physical symptoms.
Once Roo answers the question, he will offer additional links to further information on the topic. And as users interact with Roo, he will add additional themes.
Roux does not negate the need for an open and honest dialogue between parents and children on these topics. But it does offer practical and reliable information for children who might not otherwise have access to it or who are uncomfortable asking parents or other adults.