The United States' teen birth rate is almost 55 per 1000, Germany's is 13 per 1000, France's is 9 per 1000 and the Netherlands' is 7 per 1000. In the countries studied, the average age of first intercourse is 17 compared to 16 in the United States. European teens have fewer sexual partners during their teen years and wait longer between partners than do American teens. Welfare benefits are much higher than in the United States, social support systems such as national health plans are more comprehensive and cost less, and education for young people is a priority. The focus is on giving complete and accurate information.
Sexuality education promotes the values of respect and responsibility and committed relationships.
Marriage occurs in the late 20's and is not a criterion for intimate sexual relationships for older adolescents. Society does not understand the concept of abstinence until marriage in today's world. Government supports massive, consistent and long-term public education campaigns which use television, radio, billboards, discos, pharmacies and doctors to disseminate safer sex messages. Use of the media is seen as a solution, not as a problem. There appears to be little concern about sexually explicit media.