04:30
Faizan
Parents who suspect their teenager is promiscuous or engaging in risky sexual behavior need to confront the issue because those behaviors can harm their teen emotionally and physically. According to the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, during the 30 days before the survey, 9.8 percent of teenagers in grades nine through 12 said they had sexual intercourse, 6.2 percent said they used a condom the last time they had intercourse. Of the students surveyed, 9.3 percent had sexual intercourse with four or more partners since becoming sexually active.
Signs of Promiscuity
Some signs a teenager is promiscuous are secrecy around activities with their boyfriends, a sudden interest in washing their own clothes, possession of condoms or birth control, and having a sexually transmitted disease, according to the Columbus Girls Academy in Alabama. Promiscuous teenagers are at risk for teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and emotional problems.
Attention
According to Kerry Cohen, psychotherapist and author of "Dirty Little Secrets," promiscuous teens are neither sex addicts or love addicts. Rather, they crave attention. They have a desire to be noticed and having sex with multiple partners gives them that feeling that they are worth something. This is only a temporary fix because the needy feeling soon returns and the cycle repeats itself. Cohen likens sexual promiscuity to a drug that keeps the teen returning for more despite being self-destructive.
Reasons for Promiscuity
Promiscuous teenagers might be looking for an escape from their frustrations or emotional dilemmas, according to the Aspen Educational Group. Over time, this can diminish self-esteem and overall emotional health. Aspen Educational Group goes on to say that adolescents might use promiscuity as a weapon to show parents they are independent or don't have to listen to them. A teenager might feel her parents are restricting her from growing up or there might be a lack of boundaries in the parent-child relationship. This behavior can lead to emotional and physical problems and problems with intimacy.
Helping Your Teen
Once parents learn of the promiscuous behavior, they should talk to their teens in a calm, rational manner. According to TLC, they need to explain to their teens all of the health risks involved, including HIV and cervical cancer, and effects it can have on their futures, such as pregnancy. Peer pressure and appropriate friendships need to be discussed and firm limits set in place to give the teen much needed supervision. Finally, any underlying emotional issues need to be addressed. If parents are unable to help their teenagers on their own, a licensed therapist can be of assistance.
Signs of Promiscuity
Some signs a teenager is promiscuous are secrecy around activities with their boyfriends, a sudden interest in washing their own clothes, possession of condoms or birth control, and having a sexually transmitted disease, according to the Columbus Girls Academy in Alabama. Promiscuous teenagers are at risk for teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and emotional problems.
Attention
According to Kerry Cohen, psychotherapist and author of "Dirty Little Secrets," promiscuous teens are neither sex addicts or love addicts. Rather, they crave attention. They have a desire to be noticed and having sex with multiple partners gives them that feeling that they are worth something. This is only a temporary fix because the needy feeling soon returns and the cycle repeats itself. Cohen likens sexual promiscuity to a drug that keeps the teen returning for more despite being self-destructive.
Reasons for Promiscuity
Promiscuous teenagers might be looking for an escape from their frustrations or emotional dilemmas, according to the Aspen Educational Group. Over time, this can diminish self-esteem and overall emotional health. Aspen Educational Group goes on to say that adolescents might use promiscuity as a weapon to show parents they are independent or don't have to listen to them. A teenager might feel her parents are restricting her from growing up or there might be a lack of boundaries in the parent-child relationship. This behavior can lead to emotional and physical problems and problems with intimacy.
Helping Your Teen
Once parents learn of the promiscuous behavior, they should talk to their teens in a calm, rational manner. According to TLC, they need to explain to their teens all of the health risks involved, including HIV and cervical cancer, and effects it can have on their futures, such as pregnancy. Peer pressure and appropriate friendships need to be discussed and firm limits set in place to give the teen much needed supervision. Finally, any underlying emotional issues need to be addressed. If parents are unable to help their teenagers on their own, a licensed therapist can be of assistance.
Posted in: Teen Dating & Sex
