Teen Sex Leads to Unhappiness

Recently, an extensive survey (conducted by the Associated press and MTV) of more than 100 questions was asked of 1,280 people ages 13-24 regarding the general nature of happiness among America's young people. On issues of sexuality, the survey showed that being sexually active actually leads to less happiness among 13-17 year olds. For those who are aged 18-24, the survey showed that sex might lead to more happiness in the moment, but not in general. Some results of the survey proved to be very disconcerting. While 72% of whites said they were happy with life in general, just 56% of blacks and 51% of Hispanics said the same about their lives. Lastly, 62% of those surveyed said they think they will be happier in the future than they are now (those over 18 years of age were more optimistic). However, many anticipate a more difficult life than their parents had.1

1The Associated Press-MTV Poll Conducted by Knowledge Networks, Associated Press, April 16-23, 2007, pp. 1-81.
2Poll: Family Ties Key to Happy Kids, Associated Press, Fox News, August 19, 2007

Abstinent Teens Enjoy Greater Academic Success

Summary: Abstinent Teens Enjoy Greater Academic Success

Teens who abstain from sex until at least age 18 are less likely to be expelled or drop out of high school and are more than twice as likely to complete college when compared to teens who do not abstain from sexual activity.

According to data gathered from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (AddHealth), teens that practice sexual abstinence are less likely to be expelled or drop out of high school and are more likely to graduate from college, even after controlling for social background variables. This remains true even when excluding teenagers who give birth and controlling for the teens' own educational expectations. Teens who became sexually active before the age of 18 were almost 3 times more likely to be expelled from school than were teens who remained virgins while in high school (9.9% vs. 3.5%). In addition, 21% of teens who began sexual activity before the age of 18 dropped out of school before graduating high school. The drop out rate of teens who remained virgins at least until age 18 was substantially lower at 8.6%. While sexually active teens who use contraception do better academically than sexually-active non-contraceptive users, abstinent teens still perform best academically.1

1Teenage Sexual Abstinence and Academic Achievement, Paper presented at 9th Annual Abstinence Clearinghouse Conference, August 2005.

Father Fact

Using a national probability sample, father involvement correlates with fewer behavior problems exhibited by their children. This finding holds after controlling for the level of maternal involvement.

Source: Amato, Paul R. and Fernando Rivera. "Paternal Involvement and Children's Behavior Problems." Journal of Marriage and the Family, 61 (1999): 375-384

At Lois' Lodge we are looking for a few good men to mentor fathers. Call us if you are interested in this type of volunteer opportunity. (704)376-8550

Senators Call for Suspension of Planned Parenthood Funding

Citizenlink 11/12

Senators Call for Suspension of Planned Parenthood Funding

Thirteen U.S. senators want to suspend federal funding to groups that promote abortion, primarily Planned Parenthood. The senators sent a letter to key members of Congress who have the power to block the funds.

“We’re very encouraged to see the senators taking this strong stand that really would reflect what the majority of Americans would want," Wendy Wright, president of Concerned Women for America, told Family News in Focus.

In October, Focus on the Family and about 60 other pro-life organizations asked Congress to suspend Planned Parenthood funding following a 107-count indictment against the group's Kansas affiliate.

Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., introduced a bill in the House on Thursday that would stop federal funding.

Dawn Vargo, associate bioethics analyst for Focus on the Family Action, said: “Given these allegations of illegal practices on the part of Planned Parenthood, taxpayers should not be forced to fund an organization that may be engaged in criminal activity.”

TAKE ACTION: Urge your U.S. senators and representative to stop taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood. You can find contact information in our Action Center.

10 Tips for Parents to Help Their Children Avoid Teen Pregnancy

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy has reviewed research about parental influences on children’s sexual behavior and talked to many experts in the field, as well as to teens and parents themselves. From these sources, they have released 10 Tips for Parents to Help Their Children Avoid Teen Pregnancy.

Many of the ideas presented in 10 Tips will seem familiar because they articulate what parents already know from experience — like the importance of maintaining strong, close relationships with children and teens, setting clear expectations for them, and communicating honestly and often with them about important matters. Research supports these common sense ideas. It is hoped that these tips can increase the ability of parents to help their children pass safely into adulthood pregnancy-free.

You can access this report in the following ways:
Order copies from the Online Store
Download a free copy
Visit the 10 Tips Webpage