The Impact Of Parents And Family On Sexual Activity In Youth
December 11, 2008 by rainier
A positive family relationship cannot be underestimated as a primary factor that protects adolescents from engaging in sexual behavior.The Add Health study found the more connected teenagers felt to their parents and family, the less likely they were to participate in early sexual activity. Youth who perceived that their parents disapproved of adolescent sex and adolescent contraceptive use were more likely to delay sexual debut. Also, parents can positively influence the sexual behavior choices of their children by being home at key points of the day, conveying high expectations for school, and instilling in their children a sense of belonging and self worth.
Communication between parents and children is vitally important. “Clearly sexual promiscuity and high risk behavior can be reduced significantly if parents talk to their children about sex,” said Paul Krouse, publisher of Who’s Who Among American High School Students. Of students whose parents forbid them to have sex, most (88 percent) have never had sexual intercourse. In comparison, of those students who said their parents don’t care if they have sex, more than half (52 percent) have engaged in sex.Parents who clearly communicate to their child the importance of delaying sex can help reduce the risk that their child will engage in sexual activity. Adolescents who perceive their parents’ disapproving attitude towards early sex will be more likely to wait,thereby protecting against risks of STDs and pregnancy.
