When it comes to dating and sex, teens care more about what their parents have to say than their closest friends.
According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 65 percent of teens said it's “easy” to have conversations with their parents. Nearly one-third of teens called their relationship with their parents healthy and worth emulating.
Bill Albert, communications director for the campaign, said the goal of the study was to improve parent-child relationships and prevent unplanned pregnancies.
“The thing that we are most concerned about is people that begin dating and romantic relationships at very early ages," he told Family News in Focus. "They are much more likely to report that the sex was unwanted or forced; they are far less likely to use contraception.”
Linda Klepacki, sexual health analyst for Focus on the Family Action, said even if your kids won’t have a conversation with you, they’re still learning.
“They hear you; they know what you believe; they know what’s important," she said. "So even if you don’t talk directly to them, they’re picking up; they’re being influenced by you.”
