If you're thinking about how to approach the sex talk with your tween, you might be interested in the latest research involving sex education and abstinence. According to recent research findings published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, an abstinence-based theory approach may do more to prevent adolescent sexual behavior than other approaches, such as safe sex-based theories.
For the research, 662 tweens in 6th and 7th grades were engaged in either an 8-hour abstinence-based program, or another program emphasizing either health issues or safe-sex education. After a period of 24 months, those involved in the abstinence-based program were less likely to be sexually active.
The research hints that theory-based abstinence-only interventions may have an important role in preventing adolescent sexual activity.
But critics of abstinence-only theories say tweens and teens must understand how to protect themselves from STDs and pregnancy, as part of a thorough understanding of sexual behavior and the consequences of engaging in sex.
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