Black youth report considerable pressure to have sex, according to a new survey of 1,500 Black youth ages 13-21 released by ESSENCE Magazine and The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. Of those who have had sex, 47% of those 13-21 (including 21% of those 13-15) say they have been pressured to go further sexually than they wanted to. The groundbreaking results are featured in the October issue of ESSENCE magazine, on newsstands September 12th. In the article, Our Teens’ Secret Sex Lives, ESSENCE senior writer Jeannine Amber interviewed dozens of kids to uncover the truth about teens and sex.
Overall, the survey found that almost half of Black teens ages 13 to 21 reported that they have lied to get out of a sexual situation, and 54% of Black males said they feel pressure from their friends to have sex. When it comes to sex, pregnancy, and contraception, the survey reveals that the intentions of Black youth don’t always match their actions. Even though more than 90% of Black youth say it is important to avoid a pregnancy at this point in their lives, 67% have had sex without contraception, 45% report using birth control inconsistently, and 20% say they will likely have unprotected sex with someone in the next three months.
Respondents overwhelmingly believe that the TV shows and movies they watch paint a negative picture of Black youth:
* 72% believe that the media sends the message that Black females’ most important quality is their sex appeal.
* 64% agree that the media sends the message that it is okay for Black males to cheat in relationships.
* 73% say the media portrays Black youth as sexually aggressive, compared to 39% who believe the media portrays Whites as sexually aggressive.
* Just 18% say they see themselves in the TV shows and movies they watch.
Black youth, particularly younger teens, say there is much their parents can do to help:
* 31% of those ages 13-21 say their parents are most influential about deciding whether or not to have sex (compared to 27% who cited partners and 5% who cited friends).
* Parental influence seems to wane as youth age—47% of those ages 13-15 say their parents’ opinions matter most compared to 28% of those 16-18 and 17% of those 19-21.
Other findings from the survey include:
* 66% of Black males say that sex is a “big deal” and 73% would rather be in a relationship with no sex than have sex with no relationship
* 91% say they feel valued by their parents, 92% expect to be very successful in life, and 94% say the quality that most makes them feel good about themselves is “how smart I am.”
* 46% of those ages 13-21 (including 34% of those 13-15) say they have seen pornography online when they were not looking for it.
“We are proud to work in partnership with the experts at the National Campaign on this survey, and to bring its eye-opening results to our readers in our October issue,” said Constance C.R. White, ESSENCE editor-in-chief. “I am so grateful to the young people who opened up to us in the survey and told us what is really going on in their lives today. What they feel-and decide to do-about sex, love and relationships today can affect the rest of their lives. Parents know this but often don’t know where to begin. This story gives parents and other caring adults a reason and a way to talk with their teens about this important topic.”
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy is a private, non-profit organization that seeks to improve the lives and future prospects of children and families. Our specific strategy is to prevent teen pregnancy and unplanned pregnancy among single, young adults.
For the full survey report, questionnaire, and tips for parents, visit www.TheNationalCampaign.org/UnderPressure. For the ESSENCE article on the report and related content, pick up the October issue of ESSENCE or visit www.essence.com/love.
SOURCE ESSENCE Magazine
