Well, you can't say they don't listen; the rate of sexually active teenagers has dropped from 54% to 47% since the 1990s, according to research by Child Trends. This news is encouraging, as the study also founded those who decide to delay sexual intercourse are more considerate about their birth control options, less likely to to get pregnant, and more likely to say their sexual encounters were wanted rather than coerced. However, among those who are sexually active, the behavior isn't so rosy; only 40% of high schoolers reported using condoms the last time they had sex, and only 23% used some other form like pills. As a result, a striking 40% of girls 14-19 have a sexually transmitted disease.
In regards to romantic relationships, the findings were equally interesting: 47% of 8th graders have been on a date, 62% of 10th graders and 66% of 12th graders (the report doesn't go into how this compares to prior years). A rather unsettling finding to these romantic relationships, however, comes into the revelation that of those teens that have been dating, 10% reported experiencing dating physical violence. While waiting to date or have sex does indeed help prevent unwanted health consequences, we can't forget the importance of teaching safe romantic and sexual relationships
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