Adolescents Adolescence is a developmental phase when many young people initiate their sexual lives and experiment with alcohol and drug use.
Studies note that teenagers are having sex earlier than ever, often with multiple partners.
And most teens do not consistently use condoms. These vulnerability factors should more closely inform HIV prevention efforts. To a large extent, these risk factors are a product of the marginalization of these groups in the larger society, and point to specific reasons why young people might put themselves at risk. It is no accident that HIV is gravitating toward young people who are particularly vulnerable in society. Any social condition that damages self-esteem, eliminates choices and a sense of control, makes it harder to stand up for yourself, or reduces the time line along which you imagine your life is also likely to affect your ability to insist upon safe sex.