HIV/AIDS
HIV Prevention for Young People
Why adolescents and young adults remain a priority for HIV prevention, and what schools, families and clinics can do.
Young people aged 13 to 24 account for a significant share of new HIV diagnoses in the United States, and many young people living with HIV do not know it. Prevention efforts for this age group combine education, access to services and attention to substance use.
Why young people are at risk
- Low rates of HIV testing among adolescents.
- Inconsistent condom use and limited awareness of PrEP.
- Alcohol and drug use, which are linked to riskier sexual behavior.
- Stigma and confidentiality concerns that keep young people from seeking care.
What helps
- Comprehensive sexual health education that includes HIV and STI prevention, delivered before most students become sexually active.
- Confidential youth-friendly services. Most U.S. states allow minors to consent to STI and HIV testing and treatment.
- PrEP for adolescents at risk is approved and recommended.
- Addressing alcohol and drug use through prevention and brief intervention, since reducing substance use also reduces sexual risk.
For parents
Open, non-judgmental conversations about relationships, consent, alcohol and drugs make it more likely that young people will come to you, or to a health professional, when they need help.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified health professional.
