That is the hard-hitting message to Bermudian youngsters caught up in the AIDS scare.

It did not come from a teacher, parent, or Government official. Rather a fellow teenager.

The student said: "If friends are encouraging you to have sex, they are not your friends.'' The warning came at yesterday's Teen Forum -- one of a number of World AIDS Day activities.

It was attended by children from Northlands Secondary, Warwick Academy, Bermuda High School, St. George's Secondary and Adult Education.

Government Information Officer Ms Tina Caines warned the high school students to get serious over AIDS.

"What you do now, can affect where you are later,'' MsCaines told the meeting at Bermuda Industrial Union headquarters.

Her comments came after a discussion on the killer disease's 10-year incubation.

Mrs Caines urged the group to discuss why young people think the way they do about sex and sexually transmitted diseases.

When asked why some think only certain people get AIDS, one student replied: "I don't think they know enough about the disease, AIDS is stereotyped.'' Another youngster said alcohol and peer pressure were obstacles to those wanting to abstain from sex to avoid AIDS or other diseases.

One student urged teenagers to stick to their guns over sex.

"When you tell someone you don't want to sleep with them no means no.'' Further advice came from a fellow teenager.

"If you respect yourself enough, let the person know at the beginning of the relationship that you don't want to sleep with them. If they don't respect that, then let them go.''