Teenage Sexuality

Sex was created for human enjoyment and for the proliferation of our species. Society has set certain norms to be followed regarding this aspect of human life but the trouble arises when these norms are broken and deviations take place such as teenage sexuality. Whereas the norms of our society envisage that sexual relations should only take place after marriage, the present day teenagers cannot resist the temptation and that leads to unwanted shame, pain, or even disease and death.

Public debate about the behavioral patterns of immoral teenage sexuality and reproductive health has been raging in America leading to the recent decision that emergency contraception would not be available over the counter. This move was necessitated by the proliferation of teenage sexuality leading to a very high incidence of promiscuous sex which can have disastrous consequences. There have been demands for stricter control for the availability of contraceptives and abortion services, keeping in view the fact that teenagers are increasingly engaging in sexual activities without parental control and proper protection. Realizing that disease and pregnancy are the unavoidable corollaries of teenage sexuality, sex education in American schools has focused invariably on the abstinence-until-marriage tenet.

Statistics bear testimony to the dangerous effects of uncontrolled and immoral adolescent teenage sexuality behavior. Although there has been a steady decline in the past decade, the rates of pregnancy, abortion and births are still very high among American teenagers. Teenage pregnancies take place in more than 8 out of 100 teenage girls yearly and the abortion rate is between 2 to 3 percent. Moreover, more than 3 million American teenagers are affected with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) every year.

The rules about teenage sexuality are specific from person to person and vary with the cultures of different countries and they have been changing with the times throughout historical periods. The sexual freedom enjoyed in the 1960s and early 1970s has now given way to demands for monogamy and celibacy. Moreover, there is a definite shift towards deferring the first sexual intercourse and on encouraging more self-control and advising couples to have safe sex. Another interesting shift in American cultural norms has been towards rejection of promiscuity in males. Americans are now shunning the earlier double standards and are asking both genders to reject promiscuity.

Teenagers must know certain basic facts about sex before indulging in teenage sexuality.

Sex is...

• Teenage sexuality involves both physical and emotional aspects.
• There are many risks involved: you might get pregnant or you might catch an STD, which could affect you for your whole life, you could get emotionally bruised and get a heart-break apart from feeling let down and disappointed after it is over.
• Your virginity is your biggest asset and it does not give you a second chance. As such, you should preserve it till you meet the right person and the time is right. You should have happy memories of this singular event of your life.
• Do not consider sex as a recreation and never take it lightly.
• Sex should be a personal experience built on love between two people.

Sex is NOT...

• Never use sex to coerce someone to love you or to commit to you.
• Teenage sexuality should not be the test of love or devotion.
• Sex should not be indulged in merely to find out your maturity or growth.
• Do not use sex to take revenge on your parents or to establish your independence.
• Sex is NOT a leisure activity.
• If you use sex for fun rampantly, a time will come when you will wonder whether it is really worth it.

You stand to lose a lot with Teenage sexuality for the wrong reasons.