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Course Culmination Activity Report

By: Alex Sewrattan For: Ms. Ellinidis

One hundred years ago, it was common for adults not to have sexual relations with each other until they were married. This was because it was considered to be a sacred act where the woman only gave herself up to the one true man that she was married to. However, this is no longer the case. A pure woman is now nearly impossible to find, because it is becoming more common for teenagers to engage in sexual activities at a very early age. Teenagers in todays society are becoming sexually active at such a young age because of their unstable relationship with their family, the surrounding peer pressure, and the fantasy that their partner will love them forever.

Unstable Relationship with Their Family Teenagers who are sexually active at such a young age do so because of their unstable relationship with their family. Teenagers who possess a distant relationship with their parents are 2.7 times more likely to have sexual relations by the time they are 18.1 But why is this so? Firstly, the teen does not have proper guidance. They need a mother and/or father that they can talk to about their problems so that they can get the proper advice needed. The parent could then explain to the child the risks and consequences of having sex, as well as the importance of doing it for the first time when you are much older. They can also advise the teen if it is the right time, and with the right person. Having a stable relationship with the family also sets rules for the teen. The parent could enforce strict guidelines, such as curfews and no-dating policies. Having a curfew would prevent the teen from staying out late at night, reducing the chance of sexual relations occurring. Specific curfews could also limit the amount of nights they go out per week. This prevents the teen from dating their partner more frequently, reducing the strength and severity of the relationship. The teenager would then feel less obliged to have sexual relations, because they would not feel as close to their partner as they would if they could see them whenever they wanted. The parents could also inform their child of their past experiences, since they
1

Julie K. Endersbe, Teen Sex: Risks and Consequences (Minnesota: LifeMatters, 2000) 32.

were once in the same position. If the outcome of this past experience was bad, the child may then be compelled to re-think their situation. 71% of teens who do not feel close with their parents have sex by the age ages of 17-19. This number is astounding compared to the 58% of teens who feel closer to their mother or father.2 Thus the importance of having a close teenager-parent relationship is great, as the parent can give advice, enforce rules, and share past experiences, which decreases the chances of their teenager having sexual relations.

Peer Pressure Peer pressure is one of the leading causes of teenagers having sex. In high schools today, high social status is more important to students than grades. Unfortunately, high social status is easily attainable if youre sexual active. If you are a boy, you will gain respect, and if you are a girl you will gain mature points. Mature points and respect are essential to every teen in high school, because it scores instant popularity. One high school boy considered himself unpopular in the eyes of his high school peers, but when he had sex with his girlfriend he was cool.3 He admitted that he did not feel strong enough about the girl to have sex with her, but rather did it for the popularity. The peer pressure that surrounded this boy so was great that he forced himself to have sex with a girl to obtain a high social status. The peer pressure given to teenagers by their friends also causes them to have sex at an early age. Many friends may encourage the teenager to engage in sexual relations with their partner, because its the cool thing to do. They force the teens to take their relationship one step further. Another boy explained that his friends had already experienced sex before with their partners, and exclaimed that if he really loved his girlfriend, he would show it to her through sex.4 He then proceeded

2 3

Julie K. Endersbe, Teen Sex: Risks and Consequences (Minnesota: LifeMatters, 2000) 34. Stephen Genuis, Director, Teen Sex: Challenge and Decision, 1995. 4 Stephen Genuis, Director, Teen Sex: Challenge and Decision, 1995.

to have sex with his girlfriend. The peer pressure that surrounds the everyday teen forces them to have sexual experiences at such a young age.

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