Let's Talk About Sex: Parents' and Teens' Comfort Levels During These Discussions

The purpose of this study was to assess parents’ and teens’ views on talking about sex and birth control and their level of comfort in discussing these topics. The methodology consisted of telephone surveys with 988 adults and in person interviews with 797 teens within two counties in South Carolina. This study found that more teen females than males communicated with adults about discussing sex or birth control and mothers were most likely to be sought out. Over half of the teens indicated that they had talked to another adult about sex or birth control and the person most likely sought out was an adult friend. Most parents agreed that they talk openly with their teens about waiting to have sex as well as using condoms and other birth control. Similarly, most parents reported they felt very comfortable talking to teens about sex or birth control with women and African-Americans reporting greater comfort. Teens indicated that they felt very comfortable talking with their parents about sex, with African American females and White males reporting more comfort than White females. These results may indicate that teens are interested in seeking sexual health information from parents, including adult friends. Adults’ willingness to engage in these topics with teens is vitally important. In our study, racial and gender differences were found in comfort level of both parents and teens talking about sex.