How do today's teens view sex -- the CDC's report is in!

The facts are in!  

Between 41% and 43% of teenagers (boys and girls) have sex for the first time between the ages of 14 and 19.  Many don’t necessarily want to have sex, but they have it anyway.  Very often they are unprepared and as a result, many experience unwanted pregnancies and even more incur STD’s.  But, don’t take my word for it.  Download and read the entire October 2011 comprehensive study by the CDC titled:

Teenagers in the United States: Sexual Activity, Contraceptive Use, and Childbearing, 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth

Whether or not you have (or are soon going to have a teenager), I consider this report “must read” material.  

Why? 

First, it makes for VERY interesting conversation between you and any teen or tween, especially yours!  Reasons for why teens do what they do, current statistics, comparisons from previous years, and today's health impact are dissected and discussed. 

Second, it can serve as a “role playing” cheat sheet.  Reading the specific sections, such as “Wantedness…” or “Contraceptive Use” or “Feelings about…” give you great questions to ask teens, such as, “What would you do if you were in a similar situation?” or “Do you know of kids in your school who are pregnant?”  You might be surprised at your student’s naiveté or the depth of their knowledge!  

Third, it can open up a discussion to reveal exactly what your kids face in school everyday, especially if they haven’t had the courage to talk to you (or anyone) about it.  (Admittedly, not all school environments are the same, yet most junior high and high-schoolers experience some level of sexual encounter or conversation during an average school day.)

Here is my take:  After 30 consecutive years of coaching and mentoring teens, sex is still "the" hot topic.  And I would rather talk with my teen about what is going on in their school, how their friends are dealing with it, and what they would do if they found themselves in an uncomfortable sexual encounter than find out afterward they were intimidated or afraid to speak up.

If you are a parent or grandparent, mentor or boss, sibling, teacher or friend of a teen, I encourage you to to educate yourself on the issues facing kids in this culture (rather than rely on media myths).  

Once you know the facts, you will become an informed and effective communicator that has the potential to change the way a teenager thinks or acts.  You may not change a heart, but you might keep a teenager safe!

It's just a little change that can have a big result.

Be encouraged,

Becky