The 20-minute S.T.A.T.S. video explodes the myth that "everybody's doing it,"   and explores some of the arguments young people use to justify risky behavior. In addition to being educated about the problems of having sex too soon and about protecting themselves from disease and pregnancy, viewers will be exposed to alternative ways to solve problems and resolve conflicts in interpersonal relationships. Several of the video's characters model the positive behaviors, which we hope youth will then choose to adopt.

Through S.T.A.T.S. ' interwoven mini-dramas, we watch as a group of high school friends grapple - sometimes successfully, sometimes not - with their choices about sex and sexual behavior. They represent several different situations - ranging from those who are comfortable and proud of their decision to remain abstinent, to those who are having or contemplating having sex, to those who exhibit irresponsible and dangerous sexual behavior. The scenarios touch upon a multitude of issues, including: 1) peer pressure; 2) how to have successful intimate relationships; 3) safe sex; 4) abstinence; 5) HIV and other STDs; 6) teen pregnancy; and 7) the consequences of bad decision making.

The "S.T.A.T.S. Curriculum and Activities Guide" has been designed as a key companion piece to this video. It is a resource that adults who work with young people can easily adapt for use in a variety of settings, in single or multiple sessions.

The S.T.A.T.S. Video and Guide were originally developed for Project Alpha, a male mentoring program conducted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. with support from the March of Dimes.