Parents’ Influence on Adolescents’ Sexual Behavior

Collette Caprara / February 23, 2010

For the first time in more than a decade, the rate of pregnancies among 18- and 19-year-olds is on the rise.

Unwed mothers and children born outside of marriage are more likely to be poor, increasing likelihood of dependence on government welfare. If we seek limited government, we need solutions to reduce the trend of unwed pregnancy.

As far as school instruction and programs for teens are concerned, the good news is that a recent report shows programs that teach abstinence exclusively (without “safe sex” caveats) are effective in delaying adolescents’ sexual debut and decreasing the likelihood sexual activity and engaging with multiple sexual partners. (more…)