Dating and Teen Sex

From LoveToKnow Dating

While parents may like to think their teens are not sexually active, statistics show they may be overly optimistic when it comes to dating and teen sex.

What We Know

LoveToKnow Dating Tips
Sex Education
While many parents are uncomfortable with strangers teaching their teens about sex, they may be equally uncomfortable discussing it themselves. Ignoring the topic is not a viable option. Providing teens with well-research sex education books and films may allow you to avoid an actual discussion while giving your child the information needed to make appropriate decisions about sex.

According to the CDC, 47 percent of all teens between the 9th and 12th grade have had sex, and 62 percent of all graduating seniors have engaged in sexual intercourse. This has led to 84.5 pregnancies for every 1,000 teenagers who have experienced sex.

Doesn't sound that bad, does it? Pretty much a 50/50 chance that a teenager is sexually active, but consider this - according to the article “Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among American Youth: Incidence and Prevalence Estimates, 2000” by H. Weinstock, S. Berman, and W. Cates, as published in the Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, approximately 18.9 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were reported in 2000. Of that number, half were reported by teens and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24.

In other words, dating and teen sex is something parents and teens should be prepared to deal with.

Dating and Teen Sex Answers

While abstinence is the optimal way to avoid such problems as pregnancy, STDs, and legal implications... raging hormones, peer pressure, and the desire to grow up too soon often make it difficult for young people to see dating and teen sex as two separate topics.

Dating

Dating is suppose to be a time to get to know one another, as you've probably already experienced a physical attraction. Now is the time to learn about the person inside, to discuss likes and dislikes, goals and aspirations. It is about looking into each other's eyes and holding hands.

Sex

Sex is about a biological reaction that urges you to act on impulse; but acting on impulse can have some unsavory results, especially if you do not know the person you are with very well or don't take proper precautions. Sex can be a life altering event; and

Teen Couple

since the first time only happens once, it is wise to take the time to make sure the experience is what you really want.

Consider some of these issues before acting on sexual impulses:

  • Pregnancy prevention
  • Legal implications of having sex with someone under the age of legal consent
  • STD prevention
  • Emotional maturity
  • Relationship stability
  • Trust
  • Personal and family morals
  • Reputation

Remember also that no form of birth control other than abstinence comes with a 100 percent guarantee against pregnancy. Worst-case scenario, if you or your girlfriend gets pregnant, are you ready to deal with the consequences?

Dating and Teen Sex Conclusion

Sex is a healthy and natural part of life. Just as with dating and adult sex, dating and teen sex can sometimes come at a price that affects the rest of your life. Before you enter into a sexual relationship, take the time to educate yourself on the implications, proper protection, and what truly constitutes a healthy relationship.


 


Comments

Amber, if your boyfriend can't respect your responses or your needs, then you need to end the sexual relationship with him. No means no. If you were sexually abused when you were younger, you should talk to a professional counselor or trusted adult and do what's right for you.

-- Contributed by: HVLong

ok! so my boyfriend is all in to the whole sex thing. He always wants to try something new but i am not comfortable with it yet! and hes all"but why" and i tell him its personal but he just donsnt understand. I told him about me being sexually abused as a child and hes all "that shoudl have nothing to do with me and you" WELL BELIEVE ME IT DOES!! i love him soo mcuh but he dosnt see what im trying to tell him. HELP!!

-- Contributed by: Amber

I see no problem with teen sex as long as the teen/teens are ready and are using protection. I mean come on people what is the problem, the more parents push to not have sex till there older the more it happins. Parents need to under stand that if the teen is ready, there ready. It is there chose, there body. BUT, it is ok for parents to push protection and to just tell them that it is a ok to wait till they are older and not to have sex just for the reson...everyone else is doing it.

-- Contributed by: isabella
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