down.

With the help of pregnant 17-year-old Dana Brown, Teen Services is this month visiting middle schools on the Island to inform youngsters of the risks involved in sex and how to prevent them.

Director of Teen Services Michelle Johnson said: "We try to get them to delay sex and practise abstainence.'' May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month and the theme is Are Your Ready for Parenthood. Teen Services will be seen around the Island with stalls, promotional displays and competitions.

Children are encouraged to take part in poster, essay and poem contests on why teen pregnancy is not for them. And green ribbons will be sold throughout May to highlight the issue.

But Mrs Johnson has also appealed for parents to come to terms with the subject: "Parents should be aware of what can happen. It is paramount that they, too, educate their youngsters about the dangers of becoming sexually active. We are talking about children as young as 13.

"We cannot emphasise enough the importance of safe sex.'' Anyone who would like more information about Teen Services or Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month should call 292-4598.