Teen Sex Stats: Wake-Up Call

Americans received a much need wake up call this past week when a new teen age sex study was released, the most comprehensive national survey of sexual behaviors ever released by the federal government. Included in it were the facts that slightly more than half of American teenagers ages 15 to 19 have engaged in oral sex, with females and males reporting similar levels of experience. The report released by the National Center for Health Statistics shows that the proportion increases with age to about 70 percent of all 18- and 19-year-olds. That figure is considerably higher for those who also have engaged in intercourse. Several leaders of organizations that study or work with youth expressed surprise at the level of girls' participation. "You assume that females are more likely to give, males more likely to receive," said Jennifer Manlove, who directs fertility research for the organization Child Trends. "We were surprised that the percentages were similar."

I think we can go to extremes with this personally. On one hand, some parents will think "not my kid'.  And then the other extreme is thinking that every teen they know is guilty of the above stats. As the church, we have got to come to grips with how society really is and not be afraid to talk about sex, both the good, the bad and the ugly.

Perhaps we have only discussed sex negatively, or only when a sexual topics course is given, instead of making it part of our community life together. How long will it take us to learn?

Teen Sex Study/Stats

Comments

[Gabby]

I'm 18; a virgin, and I have no regrets waiting until marriage. People say that it's impossible these days but, that's because they're talking to the wrong girls. I've never felt pressured to have sex, but then again I've always been very outspoken and interpersonal. I believe that god has blessed me with a good heart and a bright mind so that I can think for myself. I know so many girls who have been victims of "sexual pressure" and I have to say I am happy to have made the decision to wait.

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[Jen]

Next month I'll be 27 and am still a virgin. I chose a long time ago to wait until I'm married to have sex. I hope my future husband holds the same belief. There is nothing wrong with waiting. From what I've seen, heard, and read, waiting until you're married can save you from lots of heartache, pain, disappointment, STDs (AIDS is still out there), and pregnancy. How many people have regretted having sex and wish they had waited? Every action, including sex, has consequences--good or bad. Aside from raging hormones, there are outside influences that can make people think they want sex or think they should have sex. The bright side is that unless it's rape or incest, people have the choice of whether or not to have sex. For any of you who haven't had sex, I hope you decide to wait until you're married. Whatever your choice, pursue your dreams and goals and live the best life you can. You owe it to yourself. God bless.