As youth enter puberty, defining their own sexual identity is at the forefront of normal developmental challenges.  Part of normal development for a healthy adolescent is to explore his or her own sexuality and learn to live responsibly with it. Sexual activity can be as innocent as holding hands or as dangerous as unprotected intercourse with multiple partners.

Health advocates are particularly concerned with early initiation of sexual intercourse, teen pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections. Risky sexual behavior can lead to serious health consequences. Risky sexual behavior includes sexual intercourse initiated at an early age, unprotected sexual intercourse, sex with multiple partners, inconsistent or absent contraceptive practices and combining sexual activity with other risk behaviors such as use of alcohol or other drugs. Health-compromising results of risky sexual activity include unwanted pregnancy, too early childbearing, sexually transmitted infections and negative effects on the adolescent's social and psychological development.

Research on adolescent sexual behavior has typically concentrated on vaginal intercourse. However, adolescents who are virgins, defined as never having had vaginal intercourse, may still be sexually active and may behave in ways that put them at risk for sexually transmitted infection. Other risk behaviors may include oral and anal intercourse.

For more data and information, go to http://www.coappp.org/images/08SASHreport.pdf

	BEST PRACTICES Parents: Parents can have a large role in determining their children's sexual behavior by being clear about their own personal sexual values and attitudes, talking with children early and often about sex, supervising and monitoring children and teens and encouraging success in education. Schools: Science-based, comprehensive sexuality programs have been found to be effective in preventing teen pregnancy. For a list, visit www.colorado.gov/bestpractices Communities: Pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection prevention programs can include health services, youth development and parent involvement. Health services and other services addressing teen sexual activity must be confidential, accessible and inviting For more information, please contact via email: Anne-Marie Braga or by telephone 303-692-2946. Helpful Links: Healthy Kids Colorado Survey Results Colorado Best Practices Website Colorado Youth Matter