Irish Study Recommends Delaying Sexual Activity for Teens

More evidence that early sexual activity is detrimental to teenagers, from a major research study in Ireland:

"Girls who become sexually active before age 17 are almost 70 percent more likely to experience a crisis pregnancy in later life and three times more likely to procure abortion in their lifetime than those who wait until they are older, according to a study released by the Irish Crisis Pregnancy Agency."

"The Irish Study of Sexual Health and Relationships, the largest nationally representative study on sexual knowledge, attitudes and behaviour ever undertaken in Ireland, was published by the Department of Health and the Crisis Pregnancy Agency (CPA) today."

"The research found that 14.9 per cent of men and 7.9 per cent of women first engaged in sex when they were less than 16 years old. A majority of the women in that group (59 percent) and more than a third of the men (37 percent) regretted it."

"The study states, 'Lower age of first sex is strongly associated with regret at the timing of first sex, among both men and women.' "

" 'According to research, the majority of young people wait until they are 17 or older to have sex for the first time,' said the CPA's chairperson Katharine Bulbulia."

"However, for those who have had sex before 17, the research shows the impact of early first sex on the individual's later sexual health, and suggests that some young people...are having first sex at a time that is not right for them. "We need to equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to delay their first sexual experience.' "

Wow, this from the country whose government was all too willing to give contraceptive "jab" to 16-year old teens. We're making progress here!  Even if you don't believe that people should wait until they are married before engaging in sexual activity, even if you think that's "unrealistic," this study supports the idea of teaching teens to at least delay having sex.  Inch by inch, step by step, the tide is turning!

Comments

[Sarah]

Ireland and Northern Ireland don't have the same government.

[spudmom]

I wonder if they could find a link between early sex (and the usual breakups) and teen suicide. Young teens may have the hormones, but not the mental skills to cope with these kinds of major life issues. That's one of the reasons that our church strongly discourages dating until age 16 or older, and strongly encourages group dates instead of one-on-one encounters in a dark theatre or make-out spot. I began dating at 14 and have been very pleased that my children, by waiting, have avoided some of the mistakes I made those first few years.

[Liz neville]

Generations of finger-wagging mothers and stern-faced fathers are wondering why on earth this seems like news to the rest of us!!

[Loretta]

Similar program is running in the US but recent reports from last week indicate that the education programs teaching teens not to be sexually active during high school was not effective.
The number of the teen pregnancies has not changed and it seems that explaining why it is best not to have sex hasn't influenced their behavior

[spudmom]

Loretta,

Waiting until high school to teach personal restraint and responsibility is too late. It starts with helping a toddler stop a tantrum, continues with teaching a five year old the consequences of stealing a pack of gum at the checkout counter, making a 12 year old girl wait until she's 13 to wear makeup, etc. Even 'good kids' struggle with their budding sexuality and need parental rules to help them stay in situations where they can control themselves. Schools aren't effective teaching morality anymore, since they have to be politically correct to avoid angry parents (see posting on dress codes.) Kids need to hear those tough and honest messages from the people who love them and the ones they respect; parents, spiritual leaders, and other role models. The high school health teacher may not make the list anymore.

[Stephanie]

When I was in high school (about 6 years ago), we had health class, but the sex ed included in it was inadequate. So, I think that whatever is being taught in sex ed, rather abstinence or safe sex, more needs to be done not just to change the message, but to make sure its being taught effectively. With that said, I do feel that sex ed should teach both abstinence, but also educate students about birth control and STD prevention...because some kids are still going to have sex and they need to be prepared.