Teens look to parents more than friends for sexual role models

 

Recent adolescent sexual health study shatters stereotypes

MONTREAL, June 15, 2011 - It might seem like they're too busy playing with their iPhones or texting their friends to notice, but a new Canadian study says more teens are actually listening to their parents when it comes to sex.
Some teens might grimace with embarrassment or run away shouting when approached on the ticklish topic, but nearly half — 45 per cent — of them look to their parents as their sexual role models, according to an online survey released Wednesday by CHU Sainte-Justine, a hospital centre for mothers, adolescents and children at the University of Montreal.
Only 32 per cent of teens, meanwhile, think of their friends as role models, while 15 per cent look to celebrities and 33 per cent have no role model at all. (Respondents could choose more than one answer.)
"Parents probably are shy to discuss sexuality and perhaps enter into that domain because they think they are not in the game — which is not true," study co-author Jean-Yves Frappier said. "Yes, (teens) want to become independent, but what we forget is that they have been living with their parents for years and they are probably still very important.
"We forget Britney Spears and Brad Pitt are only pictures. Parents are the real substance."
The survey asked 1,171 teens across the country where and how they learn about sex, their family dynamic and friendships, and sexual activity.
Those teens who use their friends as role models, regardless of whether they look to their parents, were found to be more sexually active, Frappier said. They were also more likely to engage in at least one form of risky sexual behaviour, such as unprotected sex.
Certainly it's important for teens to talk to their friends about sex, he said, but parents can counter-balance negative influences, such as peer pressure.
If parents are involved, teens communicate more easily about sex, are not as sexually active, and know more about sexually transmitted infections, Frappier said.
The study also found that while 61 per cent of teens are comfortable asking mom about sex, only 28 per cent said they feel at ease broaching the subject with dad.
They may need to brace themselves for dramatic outbursts or squeamish brush-offs, but Frappier said the information parents give is indeed getting through.
"Parents should take a stand to discuss sexual issues with their teenagers. Fathers should get in."
And it doesn't have to be a confrontational and deadpan discussion in the living room. Frappier suggests mentioning issues as they come up in the news or in conversation to ease tension.
Teens should have sex "when they're ready, when they feel respected — not because friends are doing it, or because they think friends are doing it," he said.
"Parents need to step in, and schools also," he added. "They are important even though they feel like they are left out. It's the job of parents to stay on."

The survey involved 1139 mothers of teenagers and 1171 youths between 14 and 17 years of age. The questionnaire touched on topics such as sources of sexual health information, communication about sexual health, family functioning and sexual activities. This study was financed in part by a grant from Merck Frosst Co.