Generally, boys value physical activities and judge themselves by their physical skills. Simultaneously, the girls are influenced by the images portrayed in the media about the female body and are judging themselves by this standard. The development of high or low self-esteem depends on the degree to which the boy or girl feels he or she measures up to these standards. Generally, girls tend to focus on romantic fantasies and the expression of emotions as a way to become close to their male peers. Boys tend to focus on sexual activity and in some instances define the depth of a relationship by the extent of the sexual behavior in the relationship.
Masturbation is common to both boys and girls.
Rather, they make a decision based on the quality of the relationship of the partners. However, for both sexes, early sexual activity can be associated with other problem behavior, such as drug use and delinquency. Because adolescents are very impressionable, it is imperative that their access to pornographic materials be monitored. It is also important that parents remember that they are role models for their children and create an atmosphere where sexuality is viewed as healthy and nurturing. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Questioning Teens Contrary to what some people would like to believe, adolescents do not become gay when they become freshman in college and move away from home.