Which list best identifies factors that influence healthy sexual decision making for Grade 10 learners?

• A. Consent, protection, knowledge of HIV/STIs, communication with partners, and peer norms
• B. Age alone
• C. Only knowledge of HIV/STIs
• D. Family income and neighborhood

Answer: (A)

Healthy sexual decision making for Grade 10 learners is shaped by multiple factors that influence safety, respect, and responsibility. Consent means both partners freely agreeing to sexual activity, which protects autonomy and reduces harm. Protection involves using condoms and other contraception to lower the risk of HIV/STIs and unintended pregnancy. Knowledge of HIV/STIs helps you understand how transmission works, recognizes when to get tested or seek care, and makes you more confident in making safer choices. Communication with partners is crucial for setting boundaries, discussing protection and testing, and making mutual decisions. Peer norms—what friends expect and model—can strongly influence choices, so healthy decisions are easier when you’re around peers who support safe and respectful behavior.

These factors together give a well-rounded view of what contributes to healthy decisions, not just one aspect. Relying on age alone doesn’t guarantee mature or safe choices. Knowing about HIV/STIs is important, but without protection and open talk with a partner, risks remain. Finally, family income and neighborhood affect access and opportunities but don’t directly determine how decisions are made in the moment.