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Drivers have mixed reaction to ‘sex talk’ billboards

Posted at 7:24 PM, Dec 27, 2012
and last updated 2012-12-27 19:24:51-05

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WTKR) -- A new billboard along US-17 in Elizabeth City encouraging parents to talk with their children about sex is raising some eyebrows.

The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Campaign recently installed the billboard to encourage parents to get more involved in their teen's sex education by asking: how will your kid learn about sex?

The organization is hoping to spur talk between parents and teens since studies show around 70-percent of North Carolina teens have had sex before finishing high school.

"More parents need to be aware of what's going on with their teens nowadays, because they learn a lot on the Internet and Facebook," said one person.

The billboard in Elizabeth City is just one of ten scattered across the state. The group said it hoped to draw attention to the topic during the holiday season since many are hitting the highways and interstates in North Carolina.

One of those travelers was stunned by the sign.

"Truthfully, I come from New York and I'm shocked at what they do out here," one elderly driver said.

In fact, some drivers want the signs removed.

"The message, I think should be taken care of it at home personally," said one  man. "It's not something that needs to be put up on highways in North Carolina."

Others believe the billboard will help parents initiate the uncomfortable conversation about sex -- conveniently in the car when teens will not have the chance to walk away.

And even though some have complained about the billboards, the group said the billboards will stay up throughout the holiday travel season.