Research by the Canadian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists shows that almost half of all adolescents aged 15 to 19 are having intercourse -- similar figures exist in most Western countries. Oral sex is even more prevalent, occurring among 55 percent of teens in the same age range, according to a news service story from the Detroit Free Press. Pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) occur more often in teens with little sex education. Although sex education is often a contentious issue, World Health Organization research indicates that kids who get appropriate information at a young age postpone sexual activity and use contraception properly.
For parents struggling to explain the facts of life to their children, Dr. Jane Collins, the medical director of London's Great Ormond Street Hospital, offers some helpful advice in The Times of London. For example, children who say they already know about sex often understand less than they claim. Teens should also be told that not everyone has sex by the age of 16, which helps them not to feel pressured by peers and partners.
Toronto's C-Health describes the new guide from the Canadian society and explains how sex education can help prevent pregnancy and STDs. Family.com offers advice on when to start sex education and offers a resource list of books specially designed to tackle the subject.
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