Facts about Family Communication
Parents Do Influence Teens · Eighty-seven percent of teens say that having an open honest conversation with their parents about postponing sexual activity and avoiding teen pregnancy would make it easier to do so.i · Of those who are not sexually active, 91% of teens say that “what their parents have taught them” has had some or a lot of influence on their decision.ii · When asked who or what influenced their decisions about sex the most, teens cited their parents more than any other source.iii Teens Aren’t Hearing from Them · Sixty-six percent of teens surveyed said their friends have provided them with "a lot or some information" about birth control, yet only 58 percent said their parents have.iv · One-quarter of teens ages 15 to 17 have not had discussions with a parent or guardian about how to say no to sex, or about birth control, condoms, or STDs.v · Nearly four in ten teens say they have not had a single helpful conversation with their parents about sex.iii Teens Hold Parents Responsible · Twenty-two percent of teens overall, and thirty-two percent of teens ages 12-14 say that parents not paying attention is the primary reason why teens get pregnant or get someone pregnant.vi · When asked “Who do you think is most responsible for fixing the problem of teen pregnancy other than teens themselves”, 63% of teens say parents and adults.vi Parents Agree, It’s Their Job · Ninety-three percent of Californians surveyed believe that parents should talk with their children about sex and birth control, even if it is embarrassing.vii · Upon hearing the statement, “Parents believe they should talk to their kids about sex but often don’t know what to say, how to say it, or when to start.” 90% of parents agree.iii
iNational Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. The Parent Gap: Teen Pregnancy and Parental Influence. October 2004 iiKaiser Family Foundation. SexSmarts. A Series of National Surveys of Teens About Sex: Virginity and the First Time. October 2003. iiiNational Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. With One Voice: America’s Adults and Teens Sound Off About Teen Pregnancy. December 2004. ivKaiser Family Foundation. SexSmarts. A Series of National Surveys of Teens About Sex: Birth Control and Protection. July 2004. vChild Trends, Facts at a Glance, Publication # 2006-03. 2006. viNational Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. With One Voice: America’s Adults and Teens Sound Off About Teen Pregnancy. April 2001. viiGet Real About Teen Pregnancy. Findings in Brief: A Look at Ethnic Californians’ Views on Teen Pregnancy. 2006.
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