But that does not mean they have access to one, or that they always know how to use it properly. Better communication about sexuality, gender relations, unwanted pregnancy and STDs is essential if young people are to make responsible choices and broaden their life options. A survey of secondary school students in Kenya found that only one in three males and one in four females knew that contraceptive pills had to be taken by the woman and not by the man. Even fewer knew the pills had to be taken daily, not just before sex. Families remain the strongest influence on adolescents' behavior and choices, but traditional sources of sex and gender education - grandparents, teachers and community leaders are losing influence to modern media culture and urbanization.
Teens see their elders' lives and priorities as less relevant to their own.
While teenagers and service providers may seek to avoid pregnancy and other consequences of sexual activity, their elders may see sexual activity itself as the problem. Sex education does not increase promiscuity. Not all young people are students, and in some countries they are not even the majority. Restricting sex education to secondary schools further reduces those reached, because the gender gap in education is biggest in secondary school and a large percentage of girls will be missed. In many countries, students may also enter primary school as teenagers and go no further.