Let’s begin with a few general observations. In this area, as in so many others, a teen’s attitudes and behavior are largely determined by family relationships and the quality of his life at home. On the whole, teenagers who feel incomplete, inadequate and unappreciated are more likely to seek comfort in a sexual relationship. That’s because they’re desperately looking for the love they haven’t been able to find anywhere else.
On the other hand, those with a life rich in relationships, family traditions, activities, interests, and – most importantly – consistent love and affirmation will probably be less inclined to embark on a reckless search for fulfillment that might involve unwise sexual decisions.
And those who have a vibrant, heartfelt faith in God are in the best position of all. Committed believers are most likely to have deeply rooted, well-thought-out reasons to respect and preserve the gift of sex and to avoid the temptation to exploit others for selfish ends.
That said, parents should keep an eye out for any of the following specific risk factors:
Alcohol and drug use
Aside from reflecting problem attitudes (rebellion, poor self-concept, invulnerability) that make sexual involvement more likely, intoxication also clouds judgment and weakens resistance to sexual overtures.
A steady boyfriend or girlfriend
Strong attachments and feelings of exclusivity invite nature to take its course, especially when physical expressions of affection begin early in the relationship. This is a particular risk in a situation where the boy is more than two or three years older than the girl is.
If a teen romance appears to be getting hot and heavy and a lot of physical contact is already displayed, you will need to speak with both boy and girl diplomatically but candidly about the physical process they are setting in motion.
Little parental monitoring
Leaving adolescents alone for hours at a time or not requiring accountability is a setup for sex.
A parental belief that adolescent sex is appropriate
If you think premarital sex is okay, your adolescent will too and will act on that belief.
A parental belief that adolescent sex is inevitable
Many parents who disapprove of teen sex have nevertheless come to the conclusion that it is as certain as death and taxes. As a result, their approach to the subject is double-edged: “Don’t do it, but in case you do, use this condom.” Adolescents will get the message loud and clear and are likely to act accordingly.
Low grade-point average/low attachment to school
While school performance is affected by a variety of factors, a basic desire to do well in school reflects a more hopeful outlook on the future and a willingness to put off immediate gratification for long-term goals. Teen sex, on the contrary, usually reflects ignorance of or little regard for consequences.
This doesn’t mean, of course, that every scholar is a bulwark of morality or that all who are not academically oriented are destined to be promiscuous. What ultimately matters is a person’s commitment to basic values such as responsibility, respect for self and others, and concern about the effect of today’s decisions on the future.
A history of physical or sexual abuse
Sexual abuse creates a grossly distorted view of sexual behavior, destroys boundaries, and drives a deep sense of worthlessness into the emotions of the victim. Whether the abuse occurred in the distant or recent past, adolescents whose personal history includes sexual abuse need ongoing support, counseling and prayer to help them develop healthy attitudes about sex and about themselves.
Frequent family relocations
Moving generally stresses both parents and adolescents (especially if the kids resent the decision). This can erode parental authority and distract parents from involvement with their children. Bonds to social supports such as church groups that help prevent sexual activity are severed by multiple moves. Loneliness and loss of friendships may lead some teenagers to use sexual activity to gain social acceptance. These issues should be considered by parents who are thinking about a possible relocation.
Only one parent in the household
Parenting was meant to be a team effort, and some risks will naturally increase when one parent is left to protect and monitor alone. Some studies do indicate that adolescents living with a single parent are more likely to become sexually active than those living with both parents.
Work and household demands can prevent single parents from being as involved and attentive as they need and want to be. And the divorce and desertion that sometimes lead to a one-parent home can make teens uncertain about the value of marriage as the proper setting for sexual activity and about the role of sexuality in parental relationships.
This doesn’t mean that adolescent sex is inevitable in single-parent families. But it does place an additional responsibility on single parents to send their teenagers clear and consistent messages about sexuality.
If you’d like to discuss this subject with a member of our staff, get in touch with our Counseling department. Our trained counselors would be more than happy to speak with you over the phone. They’ll be pleased to assist you in any way they can.
Resources
If a title is currently unavailable through Focus on the Family, we encourage you to use another retailer.
The Focus on the Family Guide to Talking with Your Kids about Sex: Honest Answers for Every Age
A Chicken’s Guide to Talking Turkey with Your Kids About Sex
Books on Purity
Articles
Why Wait for Sex?
Parenting: Talking About Sex and Puberty
Tips for Communicating With Teens: How to Connect When Emotions Run High