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Parental Communication Can Delay Sexually Activity for Teens

March 19, 2007

Who is to blame for the excessive spread of sexually transmitted diseases? Society wants to place responsibility on sex on television, music especially rap, parental negligence, etc. Maybe the culpability lies with looking at oneself instead of outside forces. Where is the temperance and/or the self control? My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. (Hosea 4:6)

Our source states that parents have the power to positively influence teens to delay sexual activity. It’s a fact, adolescents are having sex. The 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Survey stated that six of ten adolescent women and seven of ten adolescent men have had sexual intercourse by their 18th birthday. Unsafe sex can lead to a lifetime of serious consequences. In the United States, nearly one million teenage girls become pregnant and roughly 4 million new sexually transmitted disease infections are diagnosed each year.

Children who have internalized parental values are less likely to adopt the negative behaviors of their peers. The article suggests parents approach teens in an open and understanding way by answering questions with reason and explanation. Parental responsiveness (open, skilled, and comfortable) to sex discussions increased adolescent condom use and communication with sex partners. The article stressed the importance of mothers stating “it is likely that adolescents who perceive that they have an established open and comfortable rapport with their mothers regarding sex topics will be more likely to discuss questions and concerns with their mothers as their peer group becomes more sexually active”.

Focusing on teens that are not yet sexually active allows an opportunity for prevention and education before sexual intercourse takes place. The key to successful risk prevention for adolescents is to be proactive instead of reactive. Teens are bombarded with conflicting sexual messages. Parents can make a significant difference in the delay of sexual activity for adolescents. If the topic intimidates you, collaborate with your health care professional to provide your teenager with the knowledge to make educated sexual decisions and avoid negative sexual consequences.

Source:
Fasula, Amy M & Miller, Kim S. (2006). African-American and Hispanic adolescents’ intentions to delay first intercourse: parental communication as a buffer for sexually active peers. Journal of Adolescent Health (38), 193-200.

Posted at 10:08 AM by Shantrie in the Abstinence category/ies.

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Comments

I was just checking out your site. I believe it need to be publicize more. I will be working on an article and I would like for it to be among your current articles. I believe in abstinence (now)- I believe that when you truly love your self- then is when you will respect yourself by not allowing anyone to have that special part of you. There is only one person that is worthy of uniting sexually with an individual and that is your spouse.

May the site be publicized worldwide and bring enlightenment to all!

Ms. Collins- Alabama

Posted on June 14, 2007 at 04:14 PM by Wendy Collins. permalink

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