What do you think the factors to earlier sexual activity amongst teenagers?

Question

I think one would be the sexualized media in today's society... Any other proposals or ideas?

Answer 1

While I tend to agree on some level with a previous poster who said that teen pregnancy is "natural," evolutionarily speaking, I think there are some contemporary factors as well. I think girls are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors and, thus, end up pregnant, if their lives otherwise lack support and connection. I really hate to mention the father-figure issue, but I've seen it first hand, girls who get no love at home, so they look for it elsewhere. I also think that the media plays into it - promiscuity is "cool," and women in the media are so scantily clad I sometimes blush. It's like girls are taught their most important contribution to humanity is sexuality (and on some level, it may be - but that creative power is not used to celebrate women but to objectify them), but today there are so many other options for us. I think a lot of girls lack identity and self-respect - in so many cases, our children are treated like non-persons, ignorant, shiftless, accessories or nuisances. Although it is common for women to define themselves in terms of their relationships, it too often gets out of hand. I really think, and research shows, that girls who are involved in activities - intellectual, physical, community endeavors - are less likely to engage in risky behaviors and become pregnant - girls who are secure in their identites and their place in the community make an invaluable contribution. Sadly, their encouragement to do so (particularly in low-income areas) is inconsistent at best.

By the way, I find it so interesting how the responses here focus almost solely on the female end of sexual activity. What about the boys? Boys may be encouraged to be sexual "conquistadors" even more strongly than girls are to be sexy. In this case, I think a boy's sexual curiosity is impacted to a large degree by how his father or other male figures talk about, think about, and treat women. And, of course, pop culture is a huge factor, too.

Answer 2

I genuinely believe that a high rate of sexual activity for teenagers is partially to blame on the desensitization that is ongoing. I teach middle school and there is a pregnant 8th grader every year. When I was in 8th grade 25 years ago, I broke up with a boy on Valentine's Day because I was afraid he would kiss me. Maybe I was more sheltered than most, but I also see a lack of innocence in the youth in my community. They see too much, too early. No wonder they're ready to try adult things... they're adults.

Answer 3

Modern society morality, is allow you to take a bigger jump in to the responsible , that go at a house member and you responsibility to society ,been youth is no really look after baby's?. any way ,is a person responsible enough to have a relation why not ,but is just a way to sex placer, breaking the traditional religious matrimonial institutional and allow you to fornicate on the name of...?what you reckons no every one believe on imposed religion any more how old you think was Adan and Eve went they got together?

Answer 4

Don't forget that our "default" state is for girls to have babies very soon after their first period. Modern culture has decided that this is "wrong". Then they are shocked when teenagers try having sex at 13-14. We did it that way for thousands of years.

Even Jesus' mother had him at a very early age like 14 or so. (I'm just using that as an example, not as an endorsement of any religion).

Answer 5

The media as well as the music now a days.

Answer 6

Sex among teens is not something new. In the past being a pregnant teen meant you where sent away and no one knew what happened to you. Now you see pregnant teens everywhere. Teens are not scared of the outcome of their actions.

Answer 7

an increasingly liberal society that focuses more and more on the here and now and less and less on morals and responsibility.
(passing out condoms in elementary schools, for example.)

UPDATE:
WTF is the guy saying two answers below mine? I got lost in the first sentence.

Answer 8

if the teenagers are hot or not

Answer 9

CURIOSITY!