Sex and the young

By Hilda M. Austria

 

LET’S talk about sex and the young set as discussed by the Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality (YAFS) 2013 study.

As the study showed, to the young adults (YA), those aged 15-24 years old, sex is not a stranger to them. What was revealing was the conclusion that they now prefer sex over the common vices before like smoking, alcohol-drinking and illegal drug use. That may seem like good news since it indicates that the young are more health conscious. “Oh well, it’s just sex anyways,” one might say to dismiss it but the truth is the result of this study is like a tip of an iceberg whose implications can be serious with disastrous consequences not only to them but to our country as a whole.

According to YAFS, about 6.2 million youths have already engaged in premarital sex (PMS). That is not exactly surprising since we have been exposed to, and embraced the western culture. We are Hollywood fanatics (admit it), and follow closely the lives of the so-called superstars including their view of sex and others related to it such as virginity, living together that seldom promoted values such as purity or marriage before sex. Note how our local movies and celebrities follow Hollywood’s example. I only hope the ‘engagement proposal’ hype among our local celebrities would somehow revive the mindset of the YAs who are into living-in together or no marriage in mind.

But, of those 6.2 million young people who engaged in premarital sex (PMS), 4.8 million or the 77% failed to observe the one important thing in the western culture – responsibility. The study showed that the 77% irresponsibly engaged in PMS without using contraception.

The study also said that along with increased sexual activity among youths is the increase in the number of suicide attempts, unwanted pregnancies which later results to poverty, a fact already quite obvious already in our present society. Younger moms and younger dads, sometimes single parents who are school drop-outs have difficulty landing decent jobs to provide for their family, leading to more problems, with a domino effect.

And what is the government doing about this? The Population Commission (POPCOM) came up with the ‘Youth for Youth’ program and conducts symposiums with the youths. I think the POPCOM should device a more exciting approach to this problem since YAs are looking for something more thrilling – like sex. Their age bracket are the years of discoveries (according to psychologists) and sex is found to be the most exciting yet.

Meanwhile, the government and the parents should not be lax in addressing smoking, alcohol-drinking and illegal drug use by YAs despite the reported decrease in the number of youth patronizing these vices. These vices breed other forms of vices, including irresponsible sex. But the government can only do so much if elders do not do their part as well.

Here’s my unsolicited advice.

To the parents or guardians, know that we are now in a different generation and sex is no longer a taboo even to the youths. They must learn of sex and its consequences, from home not elsewhere. They must be taught responsibility in sex and relationships and to their family, other than on how to use protection.

To the young, I say sex is not bad because it is a gift from God. It is meant for procreation and for the intimacy between married couples. Sex in marriage is still ideal and advisable. Ask your parents why.

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