Teens have sex due to social pressure
Four out of 10 seniors you see in the hallway have had sex. At least that is what was reported in the 2007 Brookline High School Health Survey, a survey conducted every year by the Brookline Department of Public Health.
Every few years, the results are compiled from consecutive studies. This is the most recent data published regarding the sexual behavior of students which was published in volume 11 of the survey and included statistics from 2005 to 2008.
“I don’t think that the pressures of having sex are talked about much at Brookline High School, but I think there is an underlying pressure before college,” said senior Emy Takanami. “I feel more so with boys even. On TV and stuff, there’s always virgins in college who are like the funny, lame losers, but with girls, it’s more pure or accepted.”
Senior Callie McLaughlin agreed.
“If you’re a virgin in college and you’re a girl, it’s more delicate and more pure, whereas when you’re a boy, you assume there’s a reason they are a virgin and that it’s not a good reason,” said McLaughlin.
According to the 2007 survey, 26 percent of females reported having ever had sex. The survey also showed that 18 percent of seniors who reported having sex also reported having three or more sexual partners.
A junior boy said he felt that seniors were more prone to sex because they want to try something different and fun before they start their new lives after high school.
“I think also, kids are encouraged to have sex because they don’t want to go to college inexperienced,” said another junior girl.
But senior Erin Steinhouse does not think people are having sex because of college.
“I think that people who are doing it want to be doing it, because they are in a relationship mostly and then over time they want to,” said Steinhouse.
According to the 2007 survey, 82 percent of students who reported having had intercourse also reported that they usually used a condom when sexually active.
“I think people aren’t really stupid enough here to not be protected,” said another junior girl. “Girls would probably be more concerned about protection than guys because it’s more of a reality for girls when they are the ones who could actually get pregnant.”
Freshman Daniella Santiago said that the media, in addition to conventional education, helps students learn to engage in safe sex.
“Sex ed classes tell you so much about protection, and it makes you want to be protected,” said Santiago. “Shows like Teen Mom show you what the consequences are of having unprotected sex.”
Another junior girl said that it is easier for male teenagers to receive protection when sexually active than it is for females.
“I think condoms are easier to get, so I think guys would be using protection more than girls use the pill because it’s harder. To take the pill, it’s a process, and you really have to think about it,” she said.
A senior girl said she felt that it was just as easy for girls to stay protected as boys, with the help and influence of adults.
“I think parents can definitely influence their teens’ decisions about safe sex, like if your parents are supportive, they can help you start the pill,” the senior said.
(Read about condoms on page 2)
