Teens Look to Parents for Advice on Sexuality

A 2011 study revealed a surprising source for teenagers to learn about sexuality—their parents. Here are some of the results of the research:

45 percent of teenagers rely most heavily on their parents for information about sexuality.

32 percent of those surveyed relied on guidance from friends.

15 percent relied on what celebrities thought about sexuality.

The study also revealed another interesting statistic: 78 percent of parents assumed that their teenagers would turn to other sources (besides parents) for advice about sexual issues. Based on these statistics, the study's lead researcher concluded, "Parents are more important than they think. It's the role of the teen to be autonomous and turn away, but it is the role of the parent to remain a role model."

Bonnie Rochman, "Who Are Teens' Role Models? Turns Out, It's Their Parents," Time (July 18, 2011)