More Information on Teen Sexual Behavior
Teens face difficult choices daily that can affect them for the rest of their lives. One of the major decisions they will make is whether or not to be sexually active. In a cluture whre premarital sex is accepted and normalized and where most media messages present everything counter to abstinence, many
adolescents are choosing to be sexually active, some at very young ages. In the United States, 45.6 percent of high school students (1) and 79.5 percent of college students ages 18-24 (2) have had sex. The decision to have sex at such a young age can cause life long effects on their physical, emotional and psychological health. Thus, it is critical for adults and educators to realistically address teen sexuality and to recognize the many factors, including media, culture and peer influences that contribute to this decision.
INFLUENCES
- “Sex related media not only affects adolescent’s attitudes on sex, but also produces a significant effect that encourages greater sexual activities of adolescents.”(3)
- Adolescents in the US spend an average of 5-6 hours a day wit some form of media that showed frequent, glamorized and consequence-free sexual activity.
(4)
- Recent studies show that 12-14 year olds exposed to the most sexual content in
music, magazines and on television were 2.2 times as likely to
have sexual intercourse than peers with less sexual contented
media exposure. (5)
- Adolescents who are exposed to a lot of sexual content from media are more likely to believe that intercourse outside of marriage or with multiple partners without protection against pregnancy or disease, is harmless and perhaps even desirable.(6,7)
- Adolescents often believe that they will gain respect form their peers and me more accepted if they are following perceived social norms, which in this case means, if they are sexually experienced.(3)
- “The fear of being labeled within their peer group if they do, or do not, engage in certain activities can influence decisions and choices.” Womentoday.com
- When asked why they had sex for the first time, 13 percent of men ages 13-18 state it was because of pressure from their friends and eight percent of women this age state it was because of pressure from a partner. (8)
- 47 percent of adolescents who had experienced sexual intimacy said they had done something sexual because of pressure to do so, not because they felt ready to. (8)
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
EDUCATE AND INFLUENCE!
- Teens are vulnerable to the above influences in the decisions and choices they make regarding their sexual behaviors. They need to be EDUCATED on what is influencing them, the inaccuracies of these messages (i.e. sex is just fun, has no consequences, and makes you popular), and how a decision like this can have negative, lasting consequences to their lives, now and in the future. With this knowledge comes the ability to challenge the “norm” and make more positive and healthy decisions. This message needs to come from those they respect and trust, namely educators and parents.
- The content of these educational messages needs to be one that will INFLUENCE them and leave a lasting impression, especially as they face situations where a decison is needed to be made, abstinence needs to become a solid option. In order to have influence, the message needs to be delivered in a way that they will, #1 listen to and #2 remember.
HOW DO WE DO THIS?
I believe one of the most effective ways is by engaging them with a program that is entertaining to them. One that will get and keep their attention. One that has enough of an emotional connection to it to cause them to really think about what situations they will face and be prepared to respond to these situations. One that assists them in making positive decisions in future situations and that teaches them to implement actions that will prevent them from potential negative consequences and future pain. And, finally, one that will leave a lasting impression.
“WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT” is this program!! It was developed based upon the above concepts and is specifically developed to EDUCATE and INFLUENCE in the ways described above. It is engaging, entertaining, and impacting. This interactive video (DVD) program explores the various influences on teen sexual behavior, primarily media and peer influences. It educates youth on the consequences of choosing to be sexually active—not just potential physical consequences (pregnancy & STD’s)—but also the emotional and psychological impact. This program encourages adolescents to think seriously about choosing to be sexually active and why The best decison, with the least risks and consequences, is abstinence. It provides valuable information on how to handle pressure and how to say “no.” Additionally, teens will learn what defines sexual assault and how to prevent becoming a victim or a perpetrator. A study guide is included to assist in discussion following the DVD to further drive home the message.
HOW DO I GET THIS PROGRAM ON COMPREHENSIVE TEEN SEXUALITY?
Purchase the Teen Sex Education Program
Take a look at our program overview to find more great school health education
programs.
REFERENCES
- Grunbaum JA etal. Youth risk behavior surveillance, United States, 2001. MMWR CDC Survelliance Summaries 2002
- Division of Adolescent & School Health, CDC. Youth risk behavior surveillance, national college health risk behavior survey, United States, 1995. MMWR CDC Surveillance Summaries 1997;46(SS-6):1-56.
- Stella C Chia(2006) “How Peers Mediate Media Influences on Adolescents’ Sexual Attitudes and Sexual Behavior.” Journal of Communication. 56(3) 585.
- Bloomberg.com
- Brown, J. Pediatrics, April 2006. Vol. 117. American Academy of Pediatrics.1018-1027.
- Kinsman SB, Romer D, et al. Early sexual initiation: the role of peer norms. Pediatrics 1998; 102:1185-1192.
- Dolcini MM, Adler NE. Perceived competencies, peer group affiliation, and risk behavior among early adolescents. Health Psychology 1994; 13:496-506.
- Kaiser Family Foundation & YM magazine. “National Survey of Teens: Teens Talk about Dating, Intimacy and Their Sexual Experiences.” Melo Park, CA: The Foundation, 1998.
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