Imposing Healthy Sexual Behaviour

1476 Words3 Pages

Societal attitudes about sexuality in Canada have changed a lot throughout the 20th century, primarily towards premarital sexual intercourse. Previously, society’s view, values and beliefs were strongly opposed to sex before marriage and supported abstinence till marriage. The issue of sexual behaviour among adolescents was more private and even unspoken of then. Presently, though the previous generation still keep these values, the majority of adolescents hold a positive view and consent sexual activity before marriage, especially if it is between people who are romantically involved with each other, and few are open to discuss their sexuality with their family and friends (Rathus, Nevid & Fichner-Rathus, 2010, p. 328). A national survey found that 27% of Canadian parents were aware of their adolescent’s sexual activity. In Martinez, Copen and Abma’s (2011, p. 5) report, 43% of teenage females and 42% of teenage males who had never been married had sexual intercourse. With society’s view on sexuality being more positive and open, more and more adolescents are engaging in sexual activity. The thesis that will be argued is that because sexual behaviour among adolescents is so prevalent and that prevention plans are ineffective, the government should impose yearly mandatory sexually-transmitted-disease testing and physical examinations on teenagers. The youth should have easy and quick access to health care services and should feel at ease to go there to inquire about their sexual health. The consequences of sexual activity With many teenagers being sexually active, they are exposed to many possible risks that can be affected by poor decisions, negligence and accidents. Out of the many consequences, the two major concerns are sexu... ... middle of paper ... ...cKee, M., Karasz, A., & Weber, C. M. (2004). Health Care Seeking Among Urban Minority Adolescent Girls: The Crisis at Sexual Debut. Annals Of Family Medicine, 2(6), 549-554. Retrieved October 23, 2013, from EBSCO database. Rathus, S. A., Nevid, J. S., Fichner-Rathus, L., & Herold, E. S. (2010). Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity (3rd Canadian ed.). Toronto: Pearson Canada. Mayo Clinic. (2013, February). Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Retrieved October 23, 2013, from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/DS01123 Sulak, P. J. (2004). Adolescent sexual health. Journal Of Family Practice, 53S3-S4. Retrieved October 23, 2013, from EBSCO database. Wilson, A., & Williams, R. (2000). Sexual health services: What do teenagers want?. Ambulatory Child Health, 6(4), 253-260. Retrieved October 23, 2013, from EBSCO database.

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