As a parent of three teenagers, I’ve navigated the complexities of discussing sex with them. We’ve gone over topics like consent, the significance of “no means no,” sexually transmitted diseases, and even the intricacies of oral sex. We’ve tackled issues surrounding heavy petting, masturbation, and the various bases of physical intimacy. I’ve emphasized that their bodies belong to them and that they should feel empowered about their choices. I firmly advocate for comprehensive sex education and believe in fostering open conversations about consent, protection, and contraception.
However, if I’m being candid, my underlying hope is that they will choose to wait. I often find myself thinking, “Please don’t rush into sex; it’s not as meaningful at this stage in your life. Just wait. Focus on your health and your future; you’ll appreciate it later.”
My concerns aren’t merely those of a protective parent; recent research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports my perspective. This study goes beyond the focus on sexually transmitted infections, highlighting that abstinent teens often engage in healthier self-care practices compared to their sexually active peers.
In this groundbreaking study, high school students in grades 9 through 12 self-reported their sexual and health-related behaviors. The CDC discovered that those who remain abstinent exhibit healthier habits in several areas, many of which extend beyond sexual health.
The teens reported on a variety of health-related behaviors, including tobacco use, substance abuse, dietary habits, and activities that may lead to injuries or violence. The study also evaluated the use of safety measures like bike helmets and seat belts, dietary choices, regular medical check-ups, exercise, and even indoor tanning.
Key Findings from the Study
Here are two key findings from the study:
- Abstinent teens consistently scored better on various health-related measures compared to their sexually active counterparts.
- Teens who engage in sexual activity with either gender demonstrate significantly lower rates of healthy behaviors compared to those who are only heterosexually active.
The disparities in health behaviors between sexually active teens and those who abstain are stark. For instance:
- Seat belt usage: Opposite-sex active (OSA) teens are 143% more likely to rarely or never wear a seat belt than their abstinent peers. Same-sex or bisexual active (SS/BA) teens show an even more alarming 317% likelihood.
- Riding with a drunk driver: OSA teens are 94% more likely to get in a car with a drinking driver compared to abstinent peers, while SS/BA teens are 115% more likely.
- Experience with dating violence: OSA teens are 260% more likely to encounter physical violence in relationships compared to their abstinent counterparts, and SS/BA teens face a staggering 683% higher likelihood.
- Daily smoking: OSA teens are 3,300% more likely to smoke daily than abstinent teens, and SS/BA teens are 9,500% more likely.
- Binge drinking: OSA teens are 337% more likely to binge drink, and SS/BA teens are 375% more likely.
- Marijuana use: OSA teens are 336% more likely to use marijuana, whereas SS/BA teens are 483% more likely.
- Injection of illegal drugs: OSA teens are 500% more likely to have ever injected a non-prescription drug, while SS/BA teens are 2,333% more likely.
- Mental health: OSA teens are 48% more likely to experience feelings of sadness or helplessness, and SS/BA teens are 181% more likely.
- Indoor tanning: OSA teens are 282% more likely to use tanning beds, while SS/BA teens are 364% more likely.
- Eating breakfast: OSA teens are 24% less likely to eat breakfast daily, and SS/BA teens are 48% less likely.
- Sleep: OSA teens are 21% less likely to get a full eight hours of sleep, with SS/BA teens being 34% less likely.
Ultimately, while teenagers will likely choose to engage in sexual activity if they wish, my goal isn’t to shame them or withhold essential information about safe practices and contraception. Instead, I’ve shared this research with my teens to stress how abstinence correlates with numerous other healthful behaviors and an overall better sense of well-being.
The study doesn’t clarify whether one behavior influences the other, but it certainly suggests a connection. The reasons for waiting to have sex during high school extend beyond preventing unintended pregnancies and STIs. With the decline in both teen pregnancy rates and the percentage of teens who are sexually active, I find hope in the possibility of raising a generation of healthier young adults.
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Summary
Recent research from the CDC reveals that abstinent teens exhibit healthier behaviors than their sexually active peers, suggesting that waiting to engage in sexual activity may be linked to better overall well-being. This study highlights significant disparities in habits related to safety, substance use, and mental health, providing a compelling argument for encouraging teens to delay sexual involvement.