CNN/AP connects teen sex with drugs:
Teens who say at least half their friends are having sex are more likely to report having tried marijuana, alcohol and cigarettes.
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“Parents who become aware of certain dating and sexual behavior by their children should be alert to the increased likelihood of substance abuse,” he said.
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[Teens who reported at least half their friends are sexually active are]:
More likely to have tried alcohol, 66 percent vs. 10 percent of those whose friends don’t have sex.
More likely to have gotten drunk at least once in the past month, 31 percent vs. 1 percent.
More likely to have tried marijuana, 45 percent vs. 2 percent.
More likely to have tried cigarettes, 45 percent vs. 8 percent.
The New York Times also covered the study.
Courtney C. Radsch writes (excerpt):
The survey suggested a simple way for parents to reduce the likelihood that their teenage children would smoke, drink or use drugs: have dinner with them. Teenagers who reported having fewer than two family dinners a week were one and a half times likelier to abuse these substances than those who had five or more dinners a week with their parents. They were also more likely to have sexually active friends or spend more than 25 hours with a significant other. But as teenagers grow older they are less likely to have family dinners, the survey found; older teenagers are also more likely to be substance abusers or engage in sexual activity.
Mr. Califano said it was important for parents to know their children’s dating practices and their friends, and to monitor their Internet use.
you know i find it quite funny that you all take somuch time to studdy and studdy and spend millions of dollers to realize a simple fact…. that fact is that you never really have controll of your kids when you have doubts such as yours and really is what they “might” be doing worse than what most you did when u were a kid now me perosnaly i turn 17 in 2 months and while i havent had sex yet i am seriously considering it with my gf but it wont happen untill we are married. now you can call me a lier or what ever you want but thats how we feel no yes i do carry a condom when we go out really i guess what im saying is kids will rebel and we will do as we plz unless you as parents make us fortunetly i was tough right from wrong ect… you dont need studdies or medications just parents 2 be involved plz feel free to e mail me @ super_ass_man@hotmail.com (no the e mail is not a joke it is my actual e mail)