MODULE TWO: COUNSELLING - FHI 360 Center for Global Health ...

ARE YOUNG PEOPLE DIFFERENT TODAY? 2
Answers to questions.
Adults often hold mistaken views about young people’s sexual and reproductive
behaviour and it’s consequences, based more upon assumptions or stereotypes
than understanding.
1. Today people are starting sexual activity much younger than
previous generations?
FALSE
In most countries median age at first sex has not changed over the last
several decades, and in some countries it is actually higher today than
among older generations.
2. Most young people in developing countries are having sex?
FALSE
The majority of unmarried young people , especially in developing
countries, are not sexually active. Most of those sexually active are
married.
3. Today more young adults start sex before marriage than in the past?
TRUE
Among previous generations sex was largely confined to marriage, where
as today young people marry later, and thus more are having sex before
marriage. This change puts many young people at risk for STIs including
AIDS as well as unplanned pregnancies.
4. For young adults, sexually transmitted infections pose more risk
than ever?
TRUE
Sexually active young adults are particularly vulnerable to STIs and in
some countries they have among the highest STI rates of any group. At
least half of those infected with the AIDS virus are under age 25.
5. Teenage boys are responsible for nearly all unplanned pregnancies
among young women?
FALSE
Large proportions of pregnancies among women under age 20 are caused
by men who are older, often much older. Substantial numbers of young
people especially younger women are coerced into sex.
2 Population Reports Series J, Number 41-October 1995, Published by the Population Information
Program, Center for Communication Programs, The Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
Volume XXIII, Number 3.
Session 8-Pg.12