Adolescent Sex

In Manitoba, 6 teenagers become pregnant every day. This gives us one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in Canada, 55 pregnancies per 1,000 girls aged 15-19 years (www.thinkagain.ca). What does this say about adolescent sexuality in our province, and even in our community. Why are so many teens sexually active? And are they physically and emotionally ready to have sex? Adolescent sexuality has increased whereas the age of adolescents decreases. There were 2,205 pregnancies among 10-19 year olds in 1999/2000(Teen Sex, 2002). Teens are influenced by media (television, music, and magazines), peers, parents, and sex education at school. Unfortunately some of these influences don’t talk about the risks of sex, and protection against pregnancy and STI’s. The final decision about whether or not to have sex or use birth control is up to the adolescent.

When is it right? Most people make a decision about when to have sex for the first time. Part of the decision is asking questions...