A step in the right direction: Number of sexually active teenagers in America drops

The percent of teen boys sexually active dropped more than the percent of teen girls.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that Americans teenagers are less sexually active. Through a new survey, the research team found out that the decline is greater among teenage boys, compared to data from  1988. Young adults who opted to become sexually active are using contraception. Experts believe the decline is credited to better sex education and the prevalent use of smartphones and the Internet.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - About 2,000 boys and girls, ages 15 to 19, were surveyed in 2013 by the CDC; it was found that the percentage of young adults having sex at least once has dropped significantly from the number of cases in 1980's.

Compared to the data from 1988, which was 51 percent, 44 percent of female teenagers in the United States admitted they had sex. The drop is more significant among teenage American boys, from 60 percent in 1988 to 47 percent in 2013.

Although the changing sexual morals can be attributed to the decline, an expert believes that better sexual education for the current generation has likely led to the descending trend. The Adolescent Medicine Specialist at the Children's National Health System believes that it is a "decent theory."

"They're looking on the web. They're looking for guidance from parents, guardians and physicians. They can and will make positive decisions for their own health, both sexual and otherwise," said Dr. Brooke Bokor. She explained that over time, more and more teens have their smartphones connected to the Internet and gain wider access to reliable sources on sex education.

Dr. Bokor also added that the prevalence of the HPV vaccine among the young can be a contributing factor, which comes with consequent educational discussions.

Although it is against God's plan for any person to engage in sexual activity outside a marriage, it is important to realize that teen's are exhibiting the dangerous sexual behavior. However, the recent decline is definitely a positive movement in the right direction and should not be looked at as just the negative.

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