Virginity: Back By Popular Demand

By drodriguez Mar 09, 2011

Just about everything teens are exposed to and learn about in today’s fast-paced environment makes them savvier than ever, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they are being more promiscuous. A new report issued from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics suggests that there are a lot more virgins in our midst today than there were just a few years ago.

A recent report from MSNBC discusses the survey’s findings and what they mean for the young people of today. According to the report, the percentage of 15 - 24-year-old females who have never had any form of sex at all is 29 percent, which is up 7 percentage points since 2002. There were 5 percent more male virgins in this age bracket as well, going from 22 percent in 2002 to around 27 percent today.

Lead author of the study, Anjani Chandra, reveals what she believes could be the reason for virginity becoming a more popular status among the young people of today. She says it could be due to advances in sex education or messages about abstinence. She also admits that the survey is taken on faith alone and it is possible that not all respondents are entirely honest with their answers. But she points out that they do perform the surveys in a way that “has been found to yield more complete reporting of sensitive behaviours.”

What do you think of the study that found that more young adults are remaining virgins longer?

What do you think is the reason for this?

Make a Comment

Comments

by kcondon09 | Livingston, MT

Mar 30, 2011

I think that a possible reason for the increase in %of virgins in that age category is because they see therir friends or people the know get pregnant and they see the hardship that many young families go through like the babies daddy leaving and then its just a single mom and there is also usually a lot of conflict within a family when a young adult gets pregnant and cant support herself. Many people learn just by watching other peoples mistakes unfold in front of them.

by mom_4_Him | Simpsonville, SC

Mar 29, 2011

That is so awesome!!!!! Has a mom to 2 teenagers, I'm glad to see that more young people are making a very wise decision!!!

by lilmommaof3 | Palm Bay, FL

Mar 29, 2011

Wow, now I just hope it stays like that or the percentages gets higher while my kids are growing up for the next 20 or so years!! LOL

by melindajoy | MEDIA, PA

Mar 15, 2011

my husband and I both waited until marriage, and we're very glad we did

by yehuidth18 | Brooklyn, NY

Mar 14, 2011

The awareness of STD's in the schools and the media are having its effect. The question is how long will this last?

by marina64 | Albany, OR

Mar 12, 2011

The study is consistent with some others I've seen. On explanation I've encountered is the prevalence of "Virginity Pledges," and similar personal contracts. If you haven't heard of them, there is a big push to get kids to commit to no sex before marriage. There are even ceremonies, and some school districts around the country sponsor or otherwise endorse these contracts. I think the reason they are successful in the teen age bracket is that teens are not very self-aware when it comes to commitments. They have an expectation that they will never stop loving Justin Bieber, for example. So they think they are capable of long-haul commitments. And if they think their peers will shun them for breaking it (also a part of the "program"), they can stick with it even more. Just like those leg warmers we thought we'd love forever in the 80s :)

by basilandcatnip | GARLAND, TX

Mar 12, 2011

More youth groups are supporting waiting. Also I wish schools would teach more about bacteria, viruses, fungus, sanitation/sterilization... also about boundries and healthy people/relationships, it's great way around "sex education" but still getting a stronger message across to kids.

by amanda_clc | LaBelle, FL

Mar 11, 2011

Great to hear!! I waited until I got married! Thats my personal opinion and chirstian approach!! ... I was 33! And agree with joy9281!

by kellid54299 | Pascoag, RI

Mar 11, 2011

Wow, I am really surprised by this! It is good to hear!

by jmkschline | CAMBRIDGE, MD

Mar 10, 2011

The pendulum swings! We had sex education & msg regarding abstinence back in the '70s but we didn't believe anyone over 30 LOL. Abstinence is just the new wave of radicalism. I'm in favor of a more realistic approach. Yes, experiment before marriage, at least wait until you're 18, and above all, talk to your moms or an understanding teacher, pastor, or therapist. And, don't EVER think that sex is the way to get a man!

by joy9281 | TOLEDO, OH

Mar 10, 2011

I think people are realizing that sex is a special thing that should be shared with someone you love and not just given away freely. It means far more when shared this way and can save you a lot of hurt in the long run.