Teens don't have an accurate portrait of the sexual behavior of their peers. Insights from the National Campaign's First Five Years Interactions with teens and parents, researchers, program leaders, policymakers, and the media have provided the National Campaign with insights about the challenge of preventing teen pregnancy. But giving teens information about and access to contraception is still important. Arguments over which strategy is better sexual abstinence or contraceptive use are a recipe for stalemate. More of both are needed.
Parents can do much more to help.
Kids want to hear from their parents about sex and values but often do not. Effective programs to reduce teen pregnancy should be expanded, but it is unrealistic to assume that community programs alone with solve this problem. Teens, speak out and encourage your peers to avoid risky situations. Media, tell the truth. Teens tell us that although the media contains a lot of sexual content, it rarely portrays the real consequences of sex.