A presentation by MCPS student Sex. Now that I have your attention... A presentation by MCPS student

Emotional Causes Q: What role do emotions play on teens and decision-making surrounding sexual behaviors? A: Teens with little experience may think that they are in love with an individual and decide to participate in sexual behavior that they are not emotionally prepared for. Especially for girls, sexual behavior may be seen as a way to express romantic emotions.

Emotional Effects Q: How can sexual behaviors impact teens emotionally? A: A teen may get her/ his heart broken after engaging in sexual behavior thinking that they were in love, while their partners saw it only as a night of fun. Also, if other peers find out, the teen may feel humiliated and develop a negative reputation.

Social Causes Q: What role do social behaviors/settings play on teens and decision-making surrounding sexual behaviors? A: Many teens are pressured by their friends or the media to engage in sexual behavior, and they may feel socially inadequate if they decide not to participate. This peer pressure may lead to regrettable decisions.

Social Effects Q: How can sexual behaviors impact teens socially? A: If someone becomes popular for being known to engage in sexual behavior, then that teen is going to be making the wrong types of friends. Additionally, an individual may loose friends because they have developed a bad reputation for their actions.

Physical Causes Q : How does physical growth and maturation impact teens and decision-making surrounding sexual behaviors? A: As teens hit puberty and hormones are produced in disproportionate quantities, teens may feel more physically inclined to engage in sex because they now see the sexual aspect of the opposite sex. Teens may start to become more attracted to the opposite sex because of physical maturation.

Physical Effects Q: How can sexual behaviors impact teens physically? A: If the teen is not sexually mature when they engage in this activity, it may lead to medical complications. Engaging in sex can also lead to STDs and unwanted pregnancies, all of which can take a physical toll on the teen.

So How Can You Avoid All This? Q: What is the only 100% effective way to avoid the emotional, physical and social consequences of engaging in sexual behaviors? A: Practicing abstinence is the only 100% way to avoid the emotional, social, and physical consequences of a sexual relationship as a teen.