Teens are waiting longer to have sex and are also using contraception more than ever before
Reality of Teen Sex
Your Teen May Be More Active Than You Think - But Also More Likely to Be
Responsible Than In Days of Old.
Teen sexuality is often the subject of much controversy and introspection. Teen
sexuality and teen pregnancy are topics of concern that ring true in the hearts
and minds of parents across the globe.
When it comes to sex, do you know what your teen is up to?
The good news is that recent surveys have suggested that most teens are waiting
longer to have sex. The teens having sex are also using contraceptives, thus
increasing their protection and reducing the likelihood of unwanted pregnancies.
Recent studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
show that teens between the ages of 15 and 19 are more likely to use condoms. 83
percent of females are also using contraception, thus teen births and teen
pregnancies are also down.
The age of first intercourse is also rising, a positive fact in the hearts and
minds of most parents.
Alarming Statistics Despite the 'good news' more young girls (as many as 47 percent) are reporting
that they are having sex. More girls in fact reported having sex than boys.
This contradicts the traditional belief that boys are more likely to have sex
than girls. It also flies in the face of traditional stereotypical beliefs that
boys should be careful with regard to sex whereas girls should not have sex at
all.
Modern societal 'norms' dictate in fact that girls and women should be able to
do anything and everything that boys do, and sex is no exception. The statistics
prove that this is the case.
With facts supporting the notion that more and more young women are having sex,
it is vital that parents recognize the need to talk frankly with their children
about sex.
The old mentality that boys simply 'do it' and girls avoid it is outdated. Girls
are more and more becoming the aggressor in all matters, including matters of
sex.
Other surveys have also supported the notion that girls are more and more
sexually aggressive, as aggressive if not more aggressive than teen boys.
The good news is that the studies that have been conducted thus far support the
idea that girls are also being selective and cautious, using protection and
contraception much more often than in the past.
As a parent, there is some comfort in the knowledge that teens are being much
more careful. For the most part girls and boys are also delaying the age at
which first intercourse occurs.
It is vital that young women take with them the message that they are
responsible for their sexual health and their overall health and well being.
Thus every measure should be taken to inform and educate young women about the
dangers of unsafe sex.
One thing is certain. The old idea of men as more sexually aggressive and
forceful than women no longer applies… whether the man is 16 or 45. Young women
are taking charge of their sexuality, the fact cannot be denied.
Remember however that knowledge is power. The more you know about your children
and their behavior, the better parent and educator you can be.
