Are you a fan of the hit show Gossip Girl? There’s been some controversy over the promos for the new season. Critics argue that the promos are way too sexual and that the ads are sending the wrong message to the show’s teen audience. Take a look at the promos for Gossip Girl in the clip below:

These ads are just another example of sexualized advertisements that specifically target teens. Did you notice the OMFG? Some adults might not know what that means, but ask almost any teen and he or she will know. The teen-friendly OMFG sends a message that clearly says, “Hey teens, watch Gossip Girl! The sex scenes are outta control!” And, just in case you don’t realize how much sex there is on the show, a voice says the word “sex” over and over while sex scenes from the show flash across the screen.

Some people might think, So what? I’ve seen ads like this before. What’s the big deal?

The big deal is that ads like these present a warped view of sexuality that’s all about sexual fantasy and not reality. Important parts of sex—like communicating with your partner and using condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and pregnancy—are completely left out of the picture. With teens and middle-school kids watching, you have to wonder: How are they supposed to learn about the really important parts of sex that we don’t see on TV, like deciding if you want to have sex, communication and condoms?

The next time you’re watching TV and you see a sex scene, take note: Do the partners discuss their expectations of sex? How about using condoms or other methods of birth control? Do they talk at all about preventing STDs? You’ll find that although there’s tons of sex on TV, there are few realistic portrayals of responsible safer sex.

A recent survey of Florida teens found that some teens believe surprising myths about pregnancy and HIV. Let’s put these myths to rest right away.

Myth: Drinking a capful of bleach will prevent HIV infection.

Fact: Drinking bleach DOES NOT prevent HIV infection. Only abstinence—choosing not to have oral, vaginal or anal sex—will prevent the transmission of HIV. And if you’re going to have sex, latex condoms and Sheer Glyde dams—when used correctly each and every time you have oral, vaginal or anal sex—are highly effective at preventing the spread of HIV. Bleach is toxic and will send you to the hospital if you drink it!

Myth: Drinking Mountain Dew will prevent pregnancy.

Fact: Drinking Mountain Dew DOES NOT prevent pregnancy. Only abstinence—choosing not to have oral, vaginal or anal sex—is 100-percent effective at preventing pregnancy. And if you’re going to have sex, latex condoms—when used correctly each and every time you have sex—and hormonal birth control methods like the Pill can prevent pregnancy.

Myth: Smoking marijuana will prevent pregnancy.

Fact: Smoking marijuana DOES NOT prevent pregnancy. Only abstinence—choosing not to have oral, vaginal or anal sex—is 100-percent effective at preventing pregnancy. And if you’re going to have sex, latex condoms—when used correctly each and every time you have sex—and hormonal birth control methods like the Pill are highly effective at preventing pregnancy. Smoking pot causes memory loss, damages lung tissue and increases the likelihood that you’ll experiment with harder drugs.

If we had better sex ed, teens would be less likely to believe in these outrageous myths! Let’s hope that Florida lawmakers pass a bill requiring comprehensive sex ed in schools. Teens need and deserve accurate sexual health info!

There are tons of sex myths out there. Check out the top ten!

It’s well known that February 14 is Valentine’s Day, but not many people realize that it’s also National Condom Day.

Some people think that talking about condom use before having sex ruins the romance, but that’s totally untrue. Condoms and romance go hand-in-hand! Want to know what really kills romance? Pregnancy panics and STD scares because you didn’t use a condom during sex!

Don’t let candy hearts or red and pink M&M’S overshadow the importance of condoms on V-Day. Talk to your partner about using condoms before having sex. It’s a smart and sexy way to show your partner that you really care about him or her.