As a result, teens are drawn toward destructive behaviors such as drinking, taking drugs and experimenting with risky sex. Dr. Spear's finding converges with the latest news from San Francisco, where new HIV infections have more than doubled in the last three years as safe-sex practices are being abandoned. Some did not use condoms. We now have evidence that the adolescent brain leads teenagers into high-risk behavior, and that young gays are increasingly engaging in unsafe sex. Taking both findings together, it would seem that educators should seriously reconsider the wisdom of introducing sexually questioning teenagers into the gay community through school-based programs.
Schools work hard to keep underage students from obtaining cigarettes and alcohol.
They should also understand the wisdom of postponing the adolescent's exposure to a very, very high-risk lifestyle. All Rights Reserved.