Nearly 3 in 10 young teens 'sexually active' | NBC News Nearly 3 in 10 young teens 'sexually active' NBC News, PEOPLE Magazine commission landmark national poll Below: + - NEW YORK — NBC News and PEOPLE Magazine commissioned a landmark poll surveying young teenagers about their intimate sexual attitudes and practices. In one of the first surveys of its kind, teenagers as young as 13 reveal how much they know about sex and how much they are doing. The poll, conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International, questioned 13 to 16 year-olds about their sexual behavior, relationships, oral sex, STDs, and casual sexual partners (what's now known as “friends with benefits”). The findings provide important answers for parents struggling to cope with a newly promiscuous world. Below are the enlightening, and often surprising, answers to the NBC News/PEOPLE Magazine Poll: Sexually active young teens Nearly 3 in 10 (27%) thirteen to sixteen year-olds are sexually active and “have been with someone in an intimate or sexual way.” Most of these sexually active teens have touched someone else’s genitals and almost half had oral sex and/or had sexual intercourse.

Sexual activity is much more common among 15 to 16 year-olds (41%) than 13 to 14 year-olds (14%). SUMMARY TABLE: Sexual activity among 13 to 16 year-olds Most 13 to 16-year-olds waiting to have sex The vast majority (87%) of teens aged 13 to 16, have not had sexual intercourse. Most (73%) have not been sexually intimate at all. Seventy-four percent say they have not had sex because they made a conscious decision not to. As many (75%) have not because they believe they are too young. Many say they abstain because they fear the potential consequences—pregnancy (74%), STDs (71%), parents’ reaction (65%). While just more than half say it is because they haven’t met the right person yet (54%), few say it is because of a lack of opportunity (21%). Four in 10 (42%) say they have not because of religious or moral beliefs. SUMMARY TABLE: Why are teens waiting to have sex? Girls are more likely than boys to cite a conscious decision to wait (81% vs.

67%), belief they are too young (82% vs. 67%), fear of pregnancy (77% vs. 71%), STDs (75% vs. 68%), or parents or (71% vs. 59%) friends’ reaction (28% vs. 13%). Fifteen to 16 year-olds are more likely than 13 to 14 year-olds to say they have not had sex because they have not met the right person (62% vs. 47%). Thirteen to 14 year-olds are more likely to say it is because they think they are too young (82% vs. 66%). Teens with a Catholic parent (72%) are more likely to not have had sex because they are worried what their parents will think than those with a Protestant parent (63%) or another religious background (57%). Those whose parents are better educated are more likely to say they have not had intercourse because of their religious or moral beliefs and less likely to say they have not out of a fear of catching an STD. Is Oral Sex Really Not A Big Deal?

Most Teens Know What Oral Sex Is Today, 70% of teens, ages 13 to 16, know the definition of oral sex. Knowledge about oral sex is lower among the youngest teens but that knowledge increases with age. While only six in 10 (58%) 13 and 14 year-olds knew what oral sex is a solid majority of 15 and 16 year-olds (82%) know what oral sex is. Is Oral Sex, Sex? Three-quarters of teens would classify oral sex as “sex” (77%), but less than half (45%) would label touching someone's genitals as “sex”. SUMMARY TABLE: What teens believe constitutes sex Is Oral Sex A Big Deal? For many teens (43%), oral sex is not seen as being as big a deal as sexual intercourse. Boys and girls see this somewhat differently. While almost half of boys (47%) think that oral sex is not as big of a deal as sexual intercourse, fewer girls feel that way (38%). This doesn’t mean that teens are dismissive of its significance: Fifty-five percent of teens hold that it is “very important” to be in love before having oral sex.

Somewhat more (68%) say it is very important to be in love before having sexual intercourse. Are Teens Who Have Oral Sex Still Virgins? While a majority of teens do feel that oral sex is as big a deal as intercourse, it seems oral sex is taken somewhat more lightly than intercourse. More than half (54%) of American teens maintain that teens who only engage in oral sex are still virgins. However, the way in which virginity is defined varies by both their age and where they live: Older teens, 15 to 16-year-olds, are more likely to say teens having oral sex are still virgins than are 13 to 14-year-olds (60% vs. 46%). Suburban teens (60%) are more likely to say teens who have oral sex are still virgins than teens who live in an urban environment (45%). Do Teens Approve of Teens Having Oral Sex? Our survey found teens who know what oral sex is are more likely to accept older teens having oral sex. Most teens don’t think it is okay for 13 to 14 year-olds to be having it (87%).

Seven in 10 (70%) also don’t approve of 15 to 16 year-olds having oral sex. However, fewer are disapproving of older teens - only a little more than third of teens (35%) think 17 to 18 year-olds shouldn’t engage in oral sex. Girls are more likely than boys to disapprove of teens in each age group—13 to 14, 15 to 16, 17 to 18—engaging in oral sex or sexual intercourse. At the same time this doesn’t necessarily reflect what they believe reality to be. More than six in 10 (65%) teens who know what oral sex is, say they know or knew at least a few 13 or 14 year-olds who were having oral sex. How Many Teens Have Had Oral Sex? One in 10 (12%) teens have had oral sex. Almost 9 out 10 (88%) teens have not. Girls are as likely as boys to have had oral sex, but it seems there’s a discrepancy when it comes to willingness to perform oral sex.

22% of sexually active girls say their partner never performs oral sex on them, while only 5% of boys say their partner never does. Engaging in oral sex is more common among 15 to 16 year-olds (19%) than 13 to 14 year-olds (4%). Four percent of teens have had oral sex in a casual relationship. A statistically insignificant less than one-half of a percentage of teens said they had ever been to the now mythological oral sex party. Advertise Why Are Teens Having Oral Sex? Pressure, love, lust and pragmatism all figure into why teens decide to have oral sex. While few teens (21%) say they had oral sex for the first time because they wanted to be more popular or to be accepted, 76% said they did so because the other person wanted to. Teens also say they had oral sex for the first time because they met the right person (71%), to satisfy a sexual desire (70%), so they didn’t have to worry about pregnancy (68%), or because they were curious (64%). Half (49%) say the first time they had oral sex they did so because they wanted to remain virgins.

SUMMARY TABLE: Reasons teens had oral sex for the first time Four in 10 teens say they have had oral sex to avoid having sexual intercourse. Most 13 and 14 year olds who have had oral sex did so to avoid intercourse at least once. Boys and girls are equally likely to have opted for oral sex over intercourse. Do Teens Know the Risks? More than eight in 10 (84%) teens who know what oral sex is know they can get an STD by having oral sex. The youngest teens (13 to 14 year-olds) are less likely to know about the risks of engaging in oral sex than 15 to 16 year-olds. Girls are as likely as boys to know the risks of oral sex. While most know about the risks yet many don’t always take measures to protect themselves. Nine in 10 (89%) teens who have had oral sex say they know STD can be spread through oral sex. Yet only three in 10 (30%) always use protection when they have oral sex. Sexual Intercourse Young teens are as likely to have had sexual intercourse as oral sex. But their reasons for doing so are somewhat different.

Among the 13 percent of young teens who have had sexual intercourse, a solid majority says a principal reason they did so for the first time was because they met the right person (62%). This is consistent with the majority’s view that it is very important to be in love before having intercourse (68%). SUMMARY TABLE: Reasons teens had sexual intercourse for the first time Curiosity (36%) or sexual desire (34%) played a major role in why young teens had sexual intercourse for the first time. More than a quarter (28%) did so in hopes of making the relationship with the other person closer. Fewer said they were pressured (15%) or did so to be accepted or popular (2%). In addition, boys are more likely than girls to have had sex the first time to satisfy a sexual desire (49% vs. 15%). While nearly all young teens (90%) know they can get an STD from having sexual intercourse, they’re not always acting on that knowledge. Only two in three (67%) say they use protection such as condoms every time they have sex.

Young teens frown on those their age having sexual intercourse - an overwhelming majority (91%) say it is not okay for 13 to 14 year-olds to have sex. Somewhat fewer, but still a majority, (78%) object to 15 to 16 year-olds having intercourse. As with oral sex, opinions dramatically shift regarding older teens. Fewer than half (42%) say it is not okay for 17 to 18 year-olds to have sexual intercourse. Girls are more likely than boys to disapprove of teens in each age group—13 to 14, 15 to 16, 17 to 18—engaging in sexual intercourse. Advertise “Friends With Benefits” Casual relationships are not uncommon among sexually active teens. Eight percent of 13 to 16 year-olds, which amounts to roughly half of young teens who have had oral sex or sexual intercourse, have been involved in a casual sexual relationship. Girls are as likely to have had a casual relationship as boys . These casual relationships typically involve oral sex (78%) and/or sexual intercourse (79%).

Young teens who engage in casual relationships often do so “to satisfy a sexual desire” (67%). Nearly half (48%) have had a casual sexual relationship because they wanted to “avoid the complications of a serious relationship.” SUMMARY TABLE: Reasons For Casual Sexual Relationship What’s more, among teens who have had sexual intercourse and casual relations, more than two-thirds (69%) say they did not have the casual relationship to make their relationship with the other person closer. However, few young teens have casual relationships exclusively. Only fourteen percent of young teens who have had a casual relationship say they have never been involved in a serious relationship. Talking About Sex Teens are most likely to say they talk often to their friends about sex and sexual relationships (62%). Four in 10 (41%) also say they talk with their parents often. Teens are much less likely to speak with school and religious leaders. Older teens (15 and 16 year olds) talk about sex with their parents more than younger teens, as do girls more than boys. Teens who are having intercourse are somewhat more likely to speak with their parents about sex. However teens who are engaging in oral sex are more likely to speak with their friends about sex.

SUMMARY TABLE: Talk to often about sex and sexual relationships Teens say they get information about sex and sexual relationships from a number of sources. But parents top the list--70% say they have gotten a lot or some information about sex and sexual relationships from their parents. Followed by friends (53%), school (53%), TV and movies (51%) and magazines (34%). As an information source, the Internet ranks lowest. Girls were more likely than boys to say they got information from school and magazines. Teens who were sexually active were much more likely to say they got information about sex from their friends and partners. SUMMARY TABLE: Teens receive information about sex and sexual relationships Before speaking with the teens in our survey, we interviewed their parents and found that most were concerned about the sexual pressures their teens were facing. Large majorities of parents think it is a big concern for teens to know how to deal with sexual relationships (91%), set limits in intimate relationships (85%) or understand the consequences of engaging in sex (88%). But were teens and their parents on the same page about how much communication was happening between them on the topic of sex and relationships?

While both parents and teens report talking to each other about sex and relationships, there appears to be a disconnect: twice as many parents than teens maintain these conversations happen often (85% to 41%). This disconnect continues when it comes to teens' actual behavior: while 27% of teens report having been sexually intimate, only about half of their parents (15%) believed their teens had gone beyond kissing. Advertise Parents are more likely to be pessimistic about kids waiting to have sex than teens are. They’re also more likely to believe there is pressure to have sex by a young age than do teens. However parents and teens are largely on the same page when it comes to oral sex – about 4 in 10 of each group agrees that oral sex is not as big of a deal as sexual intercourse. SUMMARY TABLE: Comparing parents’ and teens’ attitudes Methodology NBC News and People Magazine commissioned Princeton Survey Research Associates International to conduct a nationally representative telephone survey of young teenagers and their parents. The goal of this study was to conduct a nationwide survey of young teenagers (aged 13 to 16) on issues related to sexual health and activity.

A companion survey was conducted among parents, in part to acquaint parents with the survey topic so they could give informed consent for their teen to participate and in part to provide a point of comparison against which to view teen responses. The sample was designed to be generalizable to the population of young teens in the continental U.S. and to allow separate analyses, where possible, of teenagers 13-14 and 15-16. The interviewed sample of teens was weighted to match national parameters for sex, age, race, Hispanic origin, parent’s education, parent’s marital status and region (U.S. Census definitions). Project staff listened to tapes of these interviews and these young teenagers appeared to have no difficulty telling interviewers if they did not want to answer a question. At the same time, most teens completed the entire questionnaire, usually in an open, frank and matter of fact manner. 1,000 interviews were conducted with parents and 1000 interviews were conducted with teenagers aged 13-16 during the period of September 4, 2004 and November 7, 2004. The margin of error for results based on the full sample of teens is ±3.4%.

For teens aged 13-14 the margin of error ±5.0% and for 15 and 16 year-olds the margin of error is ±4.6%. The margin of error for results based on the full sample of parents is ±3.4%. Analysis by Ana Maria Arumi Further details on the design, execution and analysis of the survey are available at or or AOL (Keyword: People). Contact 'Today' show Cognitive Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years-Topic Overview Cognitive Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years Cognitive Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years - Topic Overview Cognitive Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years Credits By age 16, most teens are developing the ability to think abstractly, deal with several concepts at the same time, and imagine the future consequences of their actions. This type of thinking in a logical sequence continues to develop into adulthood. Also by age 16, teens can learn to process more complex problems, to develop and test theories, to understand analogies, to reason inductively and deductively, and to think inferentially.

They are better able to handle a more demanding high school curriculum because their memory and organizational abilities-such as time management, test preparation, and study skills-improve. Written and spoken language become more and more sophisticated. They may also begin to grasp political, moral, social, and philosophical concepts. Most teens know the right thing to do. But their self-centered thoughts and behaviors may sway them to act with little thought about the end result. Bit by bit, their moral sense continues to evolve. Sometimes teens grow a bit arrogant with their newfound mental abilities, and some parents complain that their teens "know everything." It can sometimes be difficult to deal with teens during this time because although they understand that others have differing viewpoints, they often firmly believe their own perception is the most true or valid. Even though teens are forming adult cognitive abilities, they still do not have the life experiences to guide them in making the best choices. Indeed, adults struggle with this, too. They may reason that focusing on getting good grades in high school may further their academic future, but they might choose to spend their time working or socializing.

Researchers theorize that a teen's experiences determine, to a large degree, which connections in the brain are made stronger and which are "pruned," a sort of "use it or lose it" process. Researchers suggest that teens' accomplishments in sports or academics, for example, may positively affect the way they think for the rest of their lives. Advanced mental development may be the result of dramatic brain growth during puberty and then a refining process seen in the late teen years. WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.© 1995-2015 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Next Article Ages 15-18: Developmental Overview | Parent Further Ages 15-18: Developmental Overview Learning and School What to Expect So, your teen has entered high school, and soon, he or she will be off to college or entering the workforce.

While you’ve been helping your child to prepare for adult independence and responsibility all along, it’s important to realize that your teen’s plans for him- or herself may be different from what you want. Listen to your teen’s thoughts about the future. Support and respect his or her decisions, and offer ideas about what you think he or she might be good at. Encourage your teen to get involved in the community, and help him connect with other caring adults who can positively influence his or her development. Intellectual Development Abstract thinking becomes more common with older teenagers. They’ll gravitate more to the “gray” areas between the “black-and-white” issues of their early years. They’ll also change their mind about the “grays” to suit their goals and wishes. Older teenagers, such as those in this age range, expand their logic and reasoning abilities, although many still struggle to match their thinking abilities with their actions. Thus, a lot of kids will talk intelligently but then have trouble with planning. Their thinking now considers the future. They can think and have thoughtful discussions about war, college, the economy, and their visions of what would make the world better.

Because older teenagers are more intellectually advanced than a child or younger teens, adults can have more back-and-forth conversations with them. They’re better able to understand other people’s points of views, and they’re more open to other perspectives and ideas. Many older teenagers will use their new intellectual capacities as “logical weapons” against their parents. This has more to do with them separating from you. They’ll punch holes in your logic, and they’ll challenge you with thought-out reason. Emotional Development Help your teen learn how to recognize and deal with stress, anger, and sadness; to exercise regularly and eat healthy food; and to express feelings honestly as well as respect others’ feelings in friendships and romantic relationships. Your teen will continue to benefit from continuing to do his part around home and at school, and in taking care of his own well-being. Emotionally, teenagers don’t typically like physical affection from their parents. Many do, however, like a lot of physical affection from their friends. Expect a lot of tension and conflict with your teenager, because your teenager is separating from you. The path to independence is rocky for both parents and older teenagers. Some older teenagers will go anywhere—except where their parents are. Be patient with this.

Typically kids will draw closer to parents once they leave home. Once they’ve experienced “true independence,” they discover that their parents aren’t as idiotic as they thought when they were older teenagers. Monitor your teenager’s emotional states. Most have an emotional state that they’re most comfortable with. Some are easygoing. Some get angry easily. Others get depressed. Intervene if emotions are overwhelming your older teenager. Some teenagers will give you the silent treatment when they become angry—or if they don’t get their way. Give them time to simmer down. They’ll talk to you again (usually when they need something from you). Some kids begin dabbling in more serious risk behaviors (such as self-harm, drinking alcohol, trying drugs, and having sex). Help kids steer clear of these behaviors. Talk with them about what they’re experiencing—and what they’re seeing going on with their peers. Some are struggling with difficult issues. Physical Development Older teenagers typically look physically older than they are. Fifteen-year-olds can be mistaken for 21-year-olds, which is why some teenagers find themselves in troubling situations. Since all kids go through five stages of puberty, you’ll continue to see older teenagers mature.

Even during the high school years, you’ll notice teenagers maturing at different rates. This is normal, even if teenagers don’t feel like it is. Most teenagers have trouble waking up in the morning. Part of this is because they stay up later. But part of it is biological. Older teenagers tend to shortchange sleep, which can hinder their development. Don’t be afraid to let them sleep until noon—or even until the middle of the afternoon—on weekends. Social Development At this age, friendships and romance become more important while cliques become less so. Older teenagers are less influenced by peer pressure. They’re more likely to seek out experts when they want to know or do something. Teenagers are heavily influenced by their friends when it comes to clothing, styles, music, and fads. Your child is more likely to seek out advice and help from a friend than from you. A lot of teenagers pair off into couples. Dating becomes more pervasive, and some teens develop intense romantic relationships.

Connect with us and other families: Teen Driving Statistics Teen Driving Statistics Auto Insurance Glossary What you pay for auto insurance is largely based on what kind of risk the company predicts you will be, based on known factors like your driving history, the kind of car you drive, your age and gender, your marital status and where you live. Carole Walker, RMIIA Teen Driving Statistics National Teen Driving Statistics Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15- to 20-year olds, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. National studies of graduated licensing found that strong laws were associated with substantially lower fatal crash rates and substantially lower insurance claim rates among young teen drivers covered by the laws. Strong restrictions on nighttime driving and teen passengers, as well as raising the licensing age, reduced rates of fatal crashes and insurance collision claims. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety : A total of 2,823 teenagers ages 13-19 died in motor vehicle crashes in 2012. This is 68 percent fewer than in 1975 and 7 percent fewer than in 2011. About 2 out of every 3 teenagers killed in crashes in 2012 were males.

Since 1975 teenage crash deaths have decreased more among males (72 percent) than among females (56 percent). In 2012, teenagers accounted for 8 percent of motor vehicle crash deaths. They comprised 10 percent of passenger vehicle (cars, pickups, SUVs, and vans) occupant deaths among all ages, 6 percent of pedestrian deaths, 3 percent of motorcyclist deaths, 11 percent of bicyclist deaths and 13 percent of all-terrain vehicle rider deaths. Seventy-nine percent of teenage motor vehicle crash deaths in 2012 were passenger vehicle occupants. The others were pedestrians (10 percent), motorcyclists (5 percent), bicyclists (3 percent), riders of all-terrain vehicles (1 percent) and people in other kinds of vehicles (2 percent). In 2012, 60 percent of deaths among passenger vehicle occupants ages 16-19 were drivers. In 2012, June and July had the highest numbers of teenage crash deaths of any months. Fifty-three percent of motor vehicle crash deaths among teenagers in 2012 occurred on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Teenage motor vehicle crash deaths in 2012 occurred most frequently from 9:00 p.m. to midnight (17 percent). In 2012, 54 percent of the deaths of teenage passengers in passenger vehicles occurred in vehicles driven by another teenager. Among deaths of passengers of all ages, 14 percent occurred when a teenager was driving. In 2012, belt use among fatally injured passenger vehicle drivers ages 16-19 (42 percent) was higher than among fatally injured drivers ages 20-29 (37 percent) but lower than among drivers 30 and older combined (49 percent). Among fatally injured 16-19 year-old occupants, belt use among passengers (30 percent) was considerably lower than among drivers (42 percent). Note that belt use among those fatally injured is not always accurately recorded, but it gives an indication of relative belt use rates in serious crashes by age group. Among passenger vehicle drivers ages 16-19 involved in fatal crashes in 2012, 48 percent were involved in single-vehicle crashes. This was higher than for drivers ages 25 and older (39 percent).

Among fatally injured teenage drivers in 2012, females were less likely than males to have high BACs. Among fatally injured passenger vehicle drivers ages 16-17, 18 percent of males and 10 percent of females had BACs at or above 0.08 percent. Among fatally injured drivers ages 18-19, 30 percent of males and 17 percent of females had BACs at or above 0.08 percent. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released a report in May 2012 that showed that the risk of 16- or 17-year old drivers being killed in a crash increases with each additional teenage passenger in the vehicle. The risk increases 44 percent with one passenger; it doubles with two passengers, and quadruples with three or more passengers. The study analyzed crash data and the number of miles driven by 16- and 17-year olds. Colorado Teen Driving Statistics Products - Data Briefs - Number 89 - April 2012 Data Briefs NCHS Data Brief No. 89, April 2012 On This Page Brady E.

Hamilton, Ph.D., and Stephanie J. Ventura, M.A. Key findings Data from the Natality Data File, National Vital Statistics System The U.S. teen birth rate declined 9 percent from 2009 to 2010, reaching a historic low at 34.3 births per 1,000 women aged 15–19; the rate dropped 44 percent from 1991 through 2010. Teen birth rates by age and race and Hispanic origin were lower in 2010 than ever reported in the United States. Fewer babies were born to teenagers in 2010 than in any year since 1946. If the teen birth rates observed in 1991 had not declined through 2010 as they did, there would have been an estimated 3.4 million additional births to teens during 1992–2010. Teen birth rates fell in all but three states during 2007–2010. Teen birth rates by state vary significantly, reflecting in part differences in the population composition of states by race and Hispanic origin.

Teen childbearing has been generally on a long-term decline in the United States since the late 1950s ( 1 – 3 ). In spite of these declines, the U.S. teen birth rate remains one of the highest among other industrialized countries ( 4 ). Moreover, childbearing by teenagers continues to be a matter of public concern because of the elevated health risks for teen mothers and their infants ( 5 , 6 ). In addition, significant public costs are associated with teen childbearing, estimated at $10.9 billion annually ( 7 ). The most current data available from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS), the 2010 preliminary file, are used to illustrate the recent trends and variations in teen childbearing. Keywords: teen births, race and Hispanic origin, state rates The U.S. teen birth rate declined 9 percent to reach a historic low in 2010. The birth rate for U.S. teenagers fell 9 percent from 2009 to 2010, to 34.3, the lowest level ever reported in the seven decades for which a consistent series of rates is available ( 1 , 3 ) ( Figure 1 ).

The 2010 rate was 44 percent below the recent peak in 1991, and 64 percent lower than the all-time high level of 96.3 recorded during the baby boom year of 1957 ( 1 ). Birth rates fell from 2009 to 2010 for teenagers in age groups 10–14, 15–17, and 18–19. The rate for the youngest teenagers was a record low for the United States (0.4). The birth rate for teens aged 15–17 dropped 12 percent, from 19.6 per 1,000 in 2009 to 17.3 in 2010. The 2010 rate was less than one-half the level in 1991 (38.6). The rate for ages 18–19 dropped 9 percent, from 64.0 in 2009 to 58.3 in 2010. Figure 1.

Birth rates for women aged 15–19: United States, 1940–2010, and by age, 1960–2010 NOTE: Data for 2010 are preliminary. SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Vital Statistics System. Fewer babies were born to teenagers in 2010 than in any year since the mid-1940s. The number of babies born to women aged 15–19 was 367,752 in 2010, a 10-percent decline from 2009 (409,802), and the fewest reported in more than 60 years (322,380 in 1946) ( 1 , 3 ) ( Figure 2 ). The 2010 total of births to teenagers was 43 percent lower than the peak recorded in 1970 (644,708). Figure 2.

Number of births for women aged 15–19: United States, 1940–2010 NOTE: Data for 2010 are preliminary. SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Vital Statistics System. Birth rates for ages 15–19 declined to historic lows in 2010 in all racial and ethnic groups, but disparities remain. Rates declined by 9 percent for non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black teenagers, by 12 percent for American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN) and Hispanic teenagers, and by 13 percent for Asian or Pacific Islander (API) teenagers from 2009 to 2010 ( 3 ) ( Figure 3 ). Rates in 2010 ranged from 10.9 per 1,000 API to 23.5 for non-Hispanic white teenagers, 38.7 for AIAN, 51.5 for non-Hispanic black, and 55.7 for Hispanic teenagers. Figure 3.

Birth rates for women aged 15–19, by race and Hispanic origin: United States, 1991, 2005, 2007, and 2010 NOTE: Data for 2010 are preliminary. SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Vital Statistics System. If the 1991 birth rates prevailed, there would have been an estimated 3.4 million additional births to teenagers from 1992 through 2010. The impact of the decline in the teen birth rate on the number of births to teenagers over the nearly two-decade period, 1992–2010, is substantial. If the 1991 rates had continued to prevail from 1992 through 2010, there would have been an additional 3.4 million births to women aged 15–19 in the United States (with nearly 1 million of those additional births occurring between 2008 and 2010) ( Figure 4 ). These estimated additional births also take into account the rise in the female teen population as well as changes in the female teen population composition during this period.

From 1992 through 2010, the population of teenagers grew 28 percent overall, while the Hispanic teen population increased 110 percent. By comparison, the number of non-Hispanic white teenagers increased 8 percent and non-Hispanic black teenagers increased 37 percent. Figure 4. Estimated cumulative number of additional births to women aged 15–19 from 1992 through 2010 for the United States if 1991 birth rates had continued NOTE: Data for 2010 are preliminary. SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Vital Statistics System. Teen birth rates declined in all but three states during 2007–2010. Rates fell by at least 8 percent in 47 states and the District of Columbia. Declines in 16 states ranged from 20 percent to 29 percent ( Figure 5 ). Rates did not change significantly in Montana, North Dakota, and West Virginia. Figure 5.

Change in birth rate for women aged 15–19, by state: United States, 2007–2010 SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Vital Statistics System. Birth rates for teenagers continue to vary significantly across states. The birth rate for teenagers ranged from 15.7 in New Hampshire to 55.0 in Mississippi in 2010 ( Figure 6 ). Rates tended to be highest in the South and Southwest and lowest in the Northeast and Upper Midwest, a pattern that has persisted for many years ( 1 , 8 ). Some of the variation across states reflects variation in population composition within states by race and Hispanic origin (data not shown) ( 1 , 8 ). Figure 6. Birth rate for women aged 15–19, by state: United States, 2010 SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Vital Statistics System. Summary The widespread significant declines in teen childbearing that began after 1991 have strengthened in recent years. The teen birth rate dropped 17 percent from 2007 through 2010, a record low, and 44 percent from 1991.

Rates fell across all teen age groups, racial and ethnic groups, and nearly all states. The drop in the U.S. rate has importantly affected the number of births to teenagers. If the 1991 rates had prevailed through the years 1992–2010, there would have been an estimated 3.4 million additional births to teenagers during that period. The impact of strong pregnancy prevention messages directed to teenagers has been credited with the birth rate declines ( 9 – 11 ). Recently released data from the National Survey of Family Growth, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), have shown increased use of contraception at first initiation of sex and use of dual methods of contraception (that is, condoms and hormonal methods) among sexually active female and male teenagers. These trends may have contributed to the recent birth rate declines ( 12 ). Definitions Teen birth rate: The number of births to women aged 15–19 (or other teen age group) per 1,000 women aged 15–19 (or other teen age group).

Estimated additional teen births: The cumulative difference between the expected numbers of teen births based on the 1991 age-, race-, and Hispanic origin-specific rates prevailing from 1992 through 2010 and the observed numbers of teen births. Data sources and methods This report contains data from the NVSS Natality Data File. The vital statistics natality files include information for all births occurring in the United States. The natality files include information on a wide range of maternal and infant demographic and health characteristics for babies born in the United States. The natality files can be accessed on the Vital Statistics Data Available Online website. Data for 2009 and earlier years may also be accessed from the interactive data access tool, VitalStats . Birth rates for teenagers for 2010 are based on preliminary birth data. Information on the 2010 data is available elsewhere ( 3 ). Population data for computing birth rates for 2010 were provided by the U.S. Census Bureau and are based on the April 1, 2010, census ( 13 ).

Rates for 2001–2009 have been revised on the basis of population estimates based on the 2000 and 2010 censuses, to provide more accurate data for the years since 2000 ( 14 , 15 ). The revised rates may differ from the original rates published in "Births: Final Data for 2009" (5) and earlier reports, which were based on 2000 postcensal population estimates. See "Births: Preliminary Data for 2010" for more information on the revised rates and the differences between the originally published and revised rates ( 3 ). Rates by state shown here may differ from rates computed on the basis of other population estimates ( 1 , 3 ).

The additional number of teen births that would have been expected if the 1991 birth rates had continued from 1992 through 2010 was estimated by applying the 1991 teen birth rates by age, race, and Hispanic origin of mother to the estimated population of women for the same age, race, and Hispanic origin groups for each year from 1992 to 2010, summing the annual expected number, and subtracting the observed number of teen births for each year from 1992 to 2010. About the authors Brady E. Hamilton and Stephanie J. Ventura are with CDC's NCHS, Division of Vital Statistics, Reproductive Statistics Branch. References Ventura SJ, Mathews TJ, Hamilton BE. Births to teenagers in the United States, 1940–2000. National vital statistics reports; vol 49 no 10. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2001. Ventura SJ, Hamilton BE. U.S. teenage birth rate resumes decline. NCHS data brief, no 58. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics.

2011. Hamilton BE, Martin JA, Ventura SJ. Births: Preliminary data for 2010. National vital statistics reports; vol 60 no 2. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2011. United Nations Statistics Division. Demographic yearbook 2009–2010 . New York, NY: United Nations. 2011. Martin JA, Hamilton BE, Ventura SJ, et al. Births: Final data for 2009. National vital statistics reports; vol 60 no 1. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2011. Mathews TJ, MacDorman MF. Infant mortality statistics from the 2007 period linked birth/infant death data set. National vital statistics reports; vol 59 no 6. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2011. National Center for Health Statistics.

Intercensal estimates of the resident population of the United States for July 1, 2000–July 1, 2009, by year, state, 5-year age group (0–4, 5–9, …, 85 years and over), bridged race, Hispanic origin, and sex . 2011. Suggested citation Hamilton BE, Ventura SJ. Birth rates for U.S. teenagers reach historic lows for all age and ethnic groups. NCHS data brief, no 89. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2012. Copyright information All material appearing in this report is in the public domain and may be reproduced or copied without permission; citation as to source, however, is appreciated. National Center for Health Statistics Edward J. Sondik, Ph.D., Director Jennifer H. Madans, Ph.D., Associate Director for Science Division of Vital Statistics Charles J.

Rothwell, M.S., Director Data and Statistics Ages 10-14: Developmental Overview | Parent Further Ages 15-18 What to Expect Young teens are going through such dramatic changes, it’s normal for them to swing from being happy to being sad or from feeling smart to feeling dumb. They may worry about personal traits that are vital to them, but hardly noticeable to others. With a growing ability to see the consequences of different actions, tweens and young teens are increasingly considering who they are and who they may become. They are more able to think like adults, but they don’t have the experience and judgment needed to act like adults. It’s important to help them recognize that. What really matters: Your reassurance and acceptance are especially important at this time, as is your tween or teen’s growth in school and community activities. Strong support will help them develop the confidence they need to make healthy choices. Take the quiz on how you provide support to your young teen during this time of transition. Intellectual Development Most kids enjoy the social aspects of learning. This works well when teachers encourage learning in small groups. Around ages 11, 12, and 13, shifts occur in kids’ thinking.

Keep them engaged in school and learning. Encourage their curiosity. Many are strongly influenced by friends, so if they have friends who only want to socialize and not learn, emphasize the importance of having friends and working hard to learn. Many kids move from concrete to abstract thinking. Concrete thinkers focus on the here and now, such as a particular house cat. Abstract thinkers focus on issues that are are not associated with a specific instance. Thus, an abstract thinker can talk about domestic and wild cats, how they’re similar and different, and which ones they believe have more skills than others. Because kids this age have strong emotions, they tend to either “love” school or “hate” it. If your child happens to “hate” school, help her identify parts that are more enjoyable—even if it’s recess, gym, and lunch. Most kids at this age think there is too much homework. Emphasize how homework helps kids learn. Do homework with them. Make it fun. Applaud their learning and new knowledge. Check It: Take the quiz on increasing effort , then help your young teen develop a growth mindset to persevere in the face of challenges. Emotional Development Moodiness and roller-coaster emotions emerge during puberty.

Kids can be happy one moment and then violently angry or very depressed the next—and you often won’t be able to figure out why. Be patient and gentle with kids, as they experience strong emotions that can quickly change. Many talk in violent terms. “I’ll kill him.” “I want to beat her up.” “He’s so bad, he should die.” Some deal with anger and injustice verbally. Others slam doors or stomp their feet. If they act out in destructive ways, get them help with expressing strong emotion. Emotionally, young teenagers bristle at any physical affection from their parents. Some like a lot of physical affection from their friends while others like to keep their distance. Many kids can become very emotionally sensitive. They’re easily offended and easily hurt. Some kids will give you the silent treatment when they become angry—or if they don’t get their way. Give them time to simmer down. They’ll talk to you again (usually when they need something from you). Some kids begin dabbling in more serious risk behaviors (such as self-harm, smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, or having sex). Help kids steer clear of these behaviors. Talk with them about what they’re experiencing—and what they’re seeing going on with their peers.

Some are struggling with difficult issues. Check It: Take the quiz on preventing alcohol and tobacco use, then start talking with your young teen about these important health issues. Social Development This is the age when peer pressure has the most influence. Kids are more interested in “being the same” and “being accepted.” Thus, many will do things with others they would never do alone. Relationships can become quite complex. Some kids will not speak to others. Some relationships become very intense. Some kids have large shifts in their social circles as they go through puberty. Others withdraw and avoid their peers. Some stick with their friends no matter what. Many kids would rather be social than tend to their school work or other responsibilities. Emphasize how all parts of life are important. Silliness can rule with some kids. Kids at this age can have a twisted sense of humor. Many kids want to spend most of their time with friends. Some homes become tense with young teenagers who like to argue and test. Other homes are calmer with occasional skirmishes. It all depends on the child’s personality. Cliques and tight-knit groups can form. Kids become very aware of who is in which group—even if they’re not always sure where they fit.

Physical Development This is the age when kids need to start using deodorant and learning more personal hygiene. Some go overboard and spend hours in the bathroom. Others resist, refusing to bathe. Puberty reigns at this age. Puberty, however, has several stages for both boys and girls, which is why you’ll see kids developing at different rates between the ages of 8 and 18. With growth spurts come clumsiness and a lack of coordination. It isn’t easy for a person to grow six inches within a few months without his sense of balance being disrupted. Typically, between ages 12 and 14, kids become very aware of their own sexuality and others’ sexuality. Some are nervous about developing too fast. Others are worried about developing too slowly. If your child is not athletic, help her find a sport or physical activity she enjoys. At this age, kids who don’t excel athletically are tempted to avoid all physical activity. Consider martial arts such as kung fu, judo, karate, or tae kwon do, which often appeal to this age group. Connect with us and other families:

Question: Six teenagers are aged 13, 13, 14, 16, 18, and 19. What is the median of their ages?
Answer: FIFTEEN