$Unique_ID{BRK00197}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System}
$Title{Do Teenagers Raised By a Single Mother Become Sexually Active Sooner?}
$Subject{sex teenage single mother Genitourinary System Sexually Active
teenager teenagers teen teens sexual intercourse sexuality}
$Volume{J-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Do Teenagers Raised By a Single Mother Become Sexually Active Sooner?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  Do teenagers become sexually active earlier if they are raised by a
single mother?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  It appears to be so.  There is some evidence that teenaged boys
raised by single mothers have intercourse at an earlier age than boys raised
by both natural parents.
     However, it may not simply be a factor of not having a father living at
home.  Sexual behavior of children is closely related to the sexual
experiences their mother went through.  In other words, a teenager often
follows the same pattern as the mother, having intercourse at an early age if
the mother had intercourse at an early age.  This often means that young
mothers who are single mothers raise girls who in turn become young mothers.
     Teenagers do want to learn how to deal with their own sexuality from
their parents.  It is wise to try to help parents, single parents or couples,
to help their children learn about their sexuality in a manner that will let
them make healthy decisions.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.