Sexual Risk Taking
One in five children have sexual intercourse before age 15, nearly half by age 18. Early sexual experiences are often not voluntary. Sexual activity at an early age is linked to increased risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, smoking, drinking, and drug use. Sexual risk taking impacts emotional development, and sexually experienced youth are more likely to participate in delinquent activities. Teenage pregnancy poses serious health risks to both mother and child, and teen parents are at increased risk for partner violence, depression, and poverty.
|
