Most Teens Want to Be Abstinent Until Marriage
From CitizenLink:
A survey [1] of more than 5,000 teens in the United States – conducted at the request of global research group, One Hope [2] – found that 61 percent of teens wanted to be sexually abstinent until they are married, and nearly two-thirds of the teens who have had sex, wish they could regain their virginity if possible.
Spiritual State of the World’s Children 2011 [1] U.S. survey also found that 82 percent of teens believe God intended marriage to last a lifetime, and 80 percent cite parents as having a lot – or some – influence over their thoughts and actions (followed by teachers and friends).
So, if parents are the primary influences in teens’ lives …
And nearly two-thirds of teens want to be virgins when they get married – or would regain their virginity if possible …
Then why did our federal government zero-out funding [3] for abstinence programs and redirect millions more taxpayer dollars into condom-based-anything-goes sex ed? Isn’t this a move in the wrong direction, according to all the recent research [3], including this survey?
Some things just don’t make any sense.
Here’s an idea: Let’s get behind our teens’ hopes and dreams and help them reach the healthiest possible goals in the area of sexuality. This is a great opportunity to capitalize on teen momentum that’s moving in the right direction. And, since parents are the greatest influence in their teenagers’ lives, I’d recommend starting the conversation today!
A healthy, happy, lifelong marriage is well worth the work and the wait.
Helpful Tools for Discussing Sexual Health:
Parent Tools [4]
Parent’s Want to be Primary Sex Educators [5]
More Abstaining, YRBSS 2009 [6]
Help in Dealing with Pornography & Sexual Addiction [10]
Help in Working Through Homosexuality Issues [11]
Abstinence Education Information [12]
Marriage Information [13]