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The New Teens: Sexually Informed and Responsible
By Virginia Gilbert
Matt asserts that he appreciates his dad for being accessible and honest. In fact, a June 1999 advertising supplement in the L.A. Times health section featured this father and son's constructive dialogues about sex. Considering how thoughtful and sensitive Matt is regarding the role of sex and love in teenagers' lives, it's clear why he writes for L.A. Youth, a periodical published by and for teens, on various issues concerning young people.
Ironically, Ethan, the one teenager in this article who is currently having sex, appears to have the least open relationship with his parents.
"My parents hate sex. I can't ever talk to them about it or they kill me," Ethan says, with what seems to be classic teenage hyperbole.
Not surprisingly, Ethan states that his parents don't know he's sexually active.
Tenth-grader Jade says: "There's not an exact time. Teens should see if they are prepared, have taken precautions and can handle difficult outcomes of sex maturely."
Kelly echoes Jade's sentiments, but with a slightly more somber tone:
"There's not really a specific age, but when one is mature enough to handle the situation responsibly and be aware of any consequences and willing to suffer from them."
"It depends on your level of maturity," Matt adds. "How you think you can handle it, the emotional stuff that's tied to it, and if you break up with them. But if someone thought they were in love and ready in high school, I wouldn't put them down."
* This name has been changed to ensure the teenager's anonymity.
