Chapter 16- Teenager and Sex

Teenagers and Sexual Behavior

Many years ago dating was considered a form of courtship that would eventually lead to marriage. Now a day’s dating or hooking up means a totally different thing. It can “cover everything from kissing to sexual intercourse” (Feldman, 2007). Teenagers are having sexual intercourse by the age of 15. But it is hard not to put the blame on social norms and the media. There is a double standard for men and women, in favor of more leniencies towards men (Feldman, 2007). I also feel that culture has a lot to do with dating and sexual activity with the young people. For example my parents were very old fashion and raised us the same way. They were strict on the dating and we had to go everywhere with them. The boys had more freedom and the girls had more restrictions. I have two daughters, Alexandrea and Victoria, who are teenagers. I struggle all the time on how much freedom I should give them. I do not want to be an old fashion parent but then I do not want to be the cool parents who have nor control. We have a close relationship and we discuss sexual issues all the time. I have tried to teach them about self respect and not being promiscuous. I hear stories (from them) on what is going on in high school. Kids making out in the hallways or some are having sex in the bathrooms. What was acceptable behavior between two married people, the teenagers are doing in public with no remorse. So as parents we need to be more involved in their lives and explain at their level the consequences of what can happen if they have sex at such an early. Are they ready mentally for something so intimate?

Feldman, R. (2007). Child development (4th edition). Pearson Prentice Hall.