TEENS  SAY… 
 
… that parents influence their decisions about sex more than anyone else. Nearly half (45%) say parents are most influential – less than a third (31%) say friends are most influential.

Who’s most influential?

• Parents                        45%                           
• Friends                         31%
• Teachers                        6%
• Religious leaders             7%
• Media                             4%           

Teens Say…
  “the majority of young people (88%) say it would be much easier for teens to postpone sexual activity and avoid teen pregnancy if they were able to have more open, honest conversations about these topics with parents.
 
 
Teens Say…
    59% report that their parents were their role model “when it comes to healthy responsible relationships.”

Family expectations that protect teens against early sexual intercourse and pregnancy.

• Parent and family connectedness
• Perceived  parent disapproval of adolescent sex
• Perceived disapproval of adolescent contraceptive.

Parental influence on risk behaviors

Children who report feeling connected to a parent are protected against many different kinds of health risk including emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, alcohol, marijuana use, violent behavior and early sexual behavior.