The body of statistics for topics like this is huge. In fact, there are websites that are dedicated to publishing this kind of thing on a daily basis; it can be mind-numbing. This post simply asserts the conclusions of one group of studies. If you are interested in more of this data, go to familyfacts.org and you’ll find it.
Consider these conclusions about parent’s influence on the sexual behavior of their children:
- “Adolescents whose mothers discussed the social and moral consequences of being sexually active are less likely to engage in sexual intercourse.”
- “Children whose parents monitor them closely are less likely to be sexually active when they are in their teens.”
- “Teenagers who feel their parents strongly disapprove of their being sexually active are less likely to contract a sexually transmitted infection.”
- “Teens whose parents watch television with them more frequently and limit their TV viewing are less likely to be sexually active.”
- “Adolescents whose parents talk with them about standards of sexual behavior are more likely to be abstinent.”
These conclusions mirror those of author Christian Smith in his book, “Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers” by Oxford University Press. There, Dr. Smith tells us that parents are absolutely vital in the lives of their children. Perhaps parents begin to believe over time that their children are far more likely to follow the influence of their friends or other adults. Both the Bible and sociological studies are telling us to think again.
Bent World 