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Teen Sexuality
Early sexual activity is associated with emotional and physical
health risks. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and
pregnancy are among the risks children take when they become
sexually active. STIs can lead to disability and early death. Teen pregnancy is associated with long term difficulties for the
mother as well as her child. The following charts illustrate
the level of teen sexual activity in Pinellas County.
Of the high school students surveyed in the
Pinellas County Schools 2006 Youth Risk Behavior Survey1,
6% reported having been pregnant or caused someone to become
pregnant at least once; of those, 72% were either 16 or 17 years
of age. And, although the number of these students was small (N
= 80), there was a statistically significant difference between
Whites and Non-Whites in pregnancy frequency.
|
Race |
Frequency of Pregnancy |
Total |
|
Never |
Once |
Twice |
Not Sure |
|
n |
% |
n |
% |
n |
% |
n |
% |
|
White |
853 |
95% |
30 |
3% |
6 |
1% |
8 |
1% |
100% |
|
Non-White |
442 |
90% |
35 |
7% |
7 |
1% |
10 |
2% |
100% |
| |
Male high school students reported that
they had their first sexual activity or intercourse at a younger
age than females; 35% of the young men reportedly had their
first sexual activity at the age of 13 or younger which was
approximately double the percentage of young women. The mean age
of first sexual intercourse or activity was 14 for both boys and
girls.
1
JWB Children’s Services Council of Pinellas County (2007).
Pinellas County Schools 2006
2Youth Risk Behavior Survey Report. Pinellas Park,
Florida
 Funded Agencies:
Family Service Center (FSC) –
Sexual Assault Services
Family Service Center (FSC) - Youth Intervention Services
(formerly Juvenile Offender Services)
City of St. Petersburg
– TASCO Center Based Programs
R’Club – HIP
Sanderlin NFC BT2U
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