CDC Survey Shows 40% of Teens Are Sexually Active

The 2006-2008 National Survey of Family Growth conducted by the CDC resulted in a full 40% for teens between the ages of 15 to 19 years of age have had sex at least once. And here is one shocking statistic, 14% of the girls and 18% of the boys say they would be a "little pleased" or "very pleased" if they found out a baby was on the way.

The CDC was conducting the research among 2,767 teenagers to determine rates of sexual activity, whether contraception was being used and births among teens between the ages of 15-19 between the years of 2006 and 2008.

Survey from 2002 to 2008 show little change in contraception practices for teens having sex

The survey was conducted last in 2002 and interestingly enough there was not much change in sexual activity. 79% of girls and 81% of boys reported they were using some kind of birth control during their first sexual encounter. In the most recent survey the condom was the most commonly used method of contraception, which was the same in 2002, which is the most economical method and parents do not have to be involved to acquire it.

However, since 2002, statistics show that along with the condom, kids are now using hormonal contraceptive methods such as birth control pills.

CDC pleased that teens are using more methods of contraception

Surveyors are pleased that the teens are using more methods of contraception because it indicates that the realities of sex education is being better received and understood, however, the fact that a percentage of these teens would be happy to be pregnant or to have impregnated someone tells us we have a ways to go with sex education. The surveyors state that obviously these kids have some misconceptions about pregnancy and parenting if they aren't even worried about it happening.

What this report tells us is that sex education alone is not doing the job, especially compared to the 2002 survey which is really not showing much improvement. What we need to see an increase in some straight forward talking with our teens.

We need to see an increase in straight forward sex talk with our teens

We need to address all the risks of sex including sexually transmitted diseases. We also need to help our teens understand the realities of parenting. It is not about cute and love and little baby outfits. It is also about dirty diapers, expenses, sleepless nights and emotional exhaustion. As well as that baby growing up to become a teen facing these same discussions.

Source:

Web MD