By Bonnie Messbarger
A new study released by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that teens are behaving more responsibly about sex than in previous years.
The study’s sample included 4,662 teenagers between the years 2006 and 2010. The study showed,
“78 percent of never-married, sexually active females ages 15 to 19 and 85 percent of never-married, sexually active males ages 15 to 19 used contraception the first time they had sex. In addition, 86 percent of never-married, sexually active females and 93 percent of never-married, sexually active males ages 15 to 19 used a method of contraception the last time they had sex in the three months prior to the survey. Condoms remain the most popular method with 68 percent of all never-married, sexually active teens reporting using this method at first sex and 75 percent of never-married, sexually active teen males reporting having used a condom at last sex.”
This percentage is rising when compared to a similar study done in 2002. What was most surprising to me when reading this article was the surprise surrounding teenage boys use of contraception. This to me is another example of our gender stereotypes proving to be completely inaccurate. Teenage boys aren’t hormonally driven irresponsible sex fiends who can’t control themselves when it comes to responsible choices about sex? Imagine that. As the article states, let’s “give credit where credit is due.” We still have a lot of work to do when it comes to educating teenagers about STD’s, contraception, and general sexual health and wellness. However, kudos to these teens who are showing that they can and are being responsible!