Private Lives delivers information on STI's and HIV that every teen needs to know. This animated educational drama tells a story about a group of virtual teens training to be peer educators who come to grips with their own vulnerability. The focus is on understanding condom usage, identifying common sexually transmitted infections, and what to expect during a visit to a health clinic for testing.

This DVD program (30-45 minutes) is intended for group use. Includes Leader's Guide on CD.

View Northwest Media's research study on Private Lives.

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View Northwest Media's research study on Private Lives.

Refreshingly frank and often funny but always straight from the heart, Private Lives peers into the private worlds of six teens in training to be peer educators on STI's and HIV. In the process, they learn that no matter how much they think they know, they may not know enough or be at just the right place at the right time to prevent an obnoxious host of bacteria or a serious virus from meddling with their lives. They come to understand that everyone, no exceptions, is vulnerable to these afflictions and that education, without exception, is the first tool in the line of defense.

Clearly, Private Lives was written for teens by people who care, and who listen to them and hear them. We feel the fear as Anessa acknowledges she may have HPV, the human papilloma virus, and we feel for Zack at the health clinic as he faces the fact that he's probably the person who gave it to her. We empathize with Deidre and Louis who've chosen abstinence as a way to avoid the mistakes made by their parents and we watch Amy and Damien grow as human beings through their support of their friends.

Working as an effective break from the story line, the visually clever, musically hip condom "commercials" interspersed throughout this presentation not only make you laugh but also make strong, valid points.

Private Lives is an engaging animated effort that offers solid information about the consequences of unprotected sex and presents methods of prevention and workable solutions. It's a look into real life presented in a real way and by the end of the story, you're glad you spent some time with these brave, thoughtful teens.

• - Casear Pacifici, Ph.D.