Through an overview of the changes made to AIDS prevention efforts targeting young people since the start of the epidemic, the authors—a physician and the director of the Regional Center for AIDS Information and Prevention (CRIPS) in Île-de-France—demonstrate that prevention must take a comprehensive approach to emotional and sexual well-being in order to encourage young people to adopt risk-reduction strategies. A comprehensive approach to preventing risky behaviors must be accompanied by targeted prevention focused on specific issues, such as building self-esteem among young people who are exploring homosexuality and dismantling the homophobia they may face. Thus, the onset of sexual activity can occur without risk-taking being viewed as a positive value in the context of identity exploration.