Study on Teen Sex and Parents' Impact

Some quote rom the article...
on Perceived Disapproval:
If adolescent girls perceive their parents' disapproval of teenage sex, she is less likely to have a sexually transmitted disease six years later, according to the study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. Dr. Carol Ford, an associate professor at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, lead researcher of the 2005 study, says the findings indicate that parents should make their view on sex clear to their children.
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on The Talk:
There's no "magic number" when it comes to the age or maturity level that parents believe is the right time for sex, nor is there a single best way for parents to prepare their children for the event, says Ford, though most parents say they would indeed prefer that their children wait "until they're older."

But it seems the earlier that parents start talking about sex, the older that children are when they lose their virginity, Ford says.

"Even if parents aren't talking about sex, kids are hearing about it, so it's best for parents to find a way to discuss it, too. Talk about what's on TV - and indicate whether you think it's acceptable or unacceptable behavior. What you say will vary depending on the kid, the family's values."

She adds: "Waiting until 10 or 11 for 'the big talk' is less effective than incorporating the topic of sexuality in the course of everyday conversation. Discussions won't come easy, but if it doesn't go the way you wish, you can revisit the conversation a few days later. Humor and laughter will help make the conversations comfortable for everyone."

For Middle Schoolers on:
With a middle-schooler, for example, don't shut the door on future conversations by speaking in very harsh and specific terms, Ford advises. Instead, she says, if you've come into contact with a young single mother, just make an observation: "It'll be hard for her to finish school with a baby, and, gosh, it's hard to raise a kid when you're so young."

"Consider it an ongoing dialogue instead of 'the big talk,' " Ford says.

Check out the full article here.